Provider choice means providers decide what immunization is best for their patients.

The creation of a vaccine involves scientists and medical experts from around the world, and it usually requires 10 to 15 years of research before the vaccine is made available to the general public.

Vaccination is often cited among the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. Only access to safe and clean water has had a larger effect on human health by preventing disease and extending lifespans.

Reasons human cells are used in vaccine research and development:

• To develop a vaccine that can be produced on a large scale, researchers must grow viruses or bacteria in large quantities and with great consistency.
• Bacteria can be grown in a laboratory, but viruses need living cells to infect so they can make copies of themselves.
• Viruses tend to grow better in cells from humans than those of other animals.
• Human cells can be maintained for long periods of time at low temperatures, enabling scientists to use the same cell lines from many decades ago.

To ensure people get safe and effective vaccines as quickly as possible, biotechnology companies have leveraged global partnerships and
innovative collaborations to reach patients all around the world. 

When compared to other emerging diseases, see why influenza poses an especially dangerous and unique threat to society.

Certain infectious disease products have limited or no commercial market. No one incentive will address all challenges.

Learn about how America has become the global leader in civilian biodefense.