New Decade of Vaccines 3 Vaccine production, distribution, access, and uptake

For human vaccines to be available on a global scale, complex production methods, meticulous quality control, and reliable distribution channels are needed to ensure that the products are potent and eff ective at the point of use. The technologies used to manufacture diff erent types of vaccines can strongly aff ect vaccine cost, ease of industrial scale-up, stability, and, ultimately, worldwide availability. The complexity of manufacturing is compounded by the need for diff erent formulations in diff erent countries and age-groups. Reliable vaccine production in appropriate quantities and at aff ordable prices is the cornerstone of developing global vaccination policies. However, to ensure optimum access and uptake, strong partnerships are needed between private manufacturers, regulatory authorities, and national and international public health services. For vaccines whose supply is insuffi cient to meet demand, prioritisation of target groups can increase the eff ect of these vaccines. In this report, we draw from our experience of vaccine development and focus on infl uenza vaccines as an example to consider production, distribution, access, and other factors that aff ect vaccine uptake and population-level eff ectiveness.