Master in Vaccinology and Drug Development

10/10/2025

🌍 World Mental Health Day

Today, we recognize that mental health is just as vital as physical health.

In the demanding world of science and research, taking care of our minds allows us to keep innovating, collaborating, and creating impact.

🌐ifgh.org

29/09/2025

❤️ World Heart Day: Vaccination to Protect Cardiometabolic Patients 💉

Respiratory infections, including influenza and pneumococcal disease, significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with cardiometabolic conditions.

Evidence shows that timely vaccination can reduce hospitalizations, acute coronary events, and complications:
Influenza vaccine: annual administration for high-risk adults
Pneumococcal vaccine: recommended for patients with heart disease, diabetes, or other cardiometabolic risk factors

💡 Integrating respiratory vaccination into cardiometabolic care is a key strategy to improve patient outcomes.

▪ifgh.org

28/09/2025

🦠 World Rabies Day: Rabies is 100% Preventable! 🐶💉

Rabies is a deadly but fully preventable disease through human and canine vaccination. Post-exposure (PEP) and pre-exposure (PrEP) prophylaxis save lives—but awareness is key.

▪ifgh.org

26/09/2025

🌱 World Environmental Health Day: Linking Planet Health to Human Health 🌍
Changes in climate and environmental pollution are driving the emergence and spread of infectious diseases, including zoonoses. Understanding these connections is crucial to prevent outbreaks and protect communities.

📍 Spotlight: Emerging zoonotic risks often cluster in regions impacted by deforestation, urbanization, and climate shifts. Mapping these risks helps guide surveillance and response strategies.

🔬 Call to Action: Research and innovation are key—scientists, public health professionals, and policymakers must work together to study environmental drivers of disease and develop proactive solutions.

Together, we can safeguard both the planet and global health.

▪ifgh.org

25/09/2025

🌬️ World Lung Day: Protect Your Lungs, Protect Your Life! 💙

Respiratory infections can have serious consequences—especially for older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions. Vaccines like influenza, pneumococcal, COVID-19, and RSV are essential tools to protect your lungs and overall health.

🗓️ Seasonal Vaccine Calendar:
Influenza: annual, everyone 6 months+
Pneumococcal: adults 50+ or with risk factors
COVID-19: annual boosters for adults and high-risk groups
RSV: older adults and pregnant people

💡 Who should get vaccinated?
Older adults
Pregnant individuals
People with chronic illnesses
Healthcare workers

Protect yourself and your loved ones this season—vaccines save lives!

▪ifgh.org

25/09/2025

💊 Happy World Pharmacists Day! 🌍

Today, we celebrate the vital role pharmacists play in vaccination—from counseling and administration to ensuring the safe and effective supply of vaccines.

At Master in Vaccinology and Drug Development, we’re proud to spotlight our alumni and faculty from the pharmacy field who are advancing vaccine delivery and immunization strategies worldwide. Their expertise helps protect communities and strengthen public health.

✨ Pharmacists: at the heart of immunization.
📚 Learn more about how our program equips pharmacy professionals to lead in vaccinology: ifgh.org

21/09/2025

🧠 World Alzheimer’s Day – Exploring Immunological Approaches
“Is there a vaccine for Alzheimer’s?” The short answer: not yet.

Alzheimer’s disease remains one of the greatest challenges in neurodegenerative research. However, advances in immunotherapy and vaccine development are paving the way for innovative strategies:

Active immunization: Experimental vaccines aim to trigger the body’s immune system to target amyloid-beta or tau proteins—key hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
Passive immunization: Monoclonal antibodies are designed to neutralize toxic proteins and slow disease progression.

Clinical trials & research: Several vaccine candidates are in early-phase trials, showing promise in safety and immune response, though efficacy is still under investigation.
While we are not yet at a world where an Alzheimer’s vaccine is available, immunological approaches represent a hopeful frontier, complementing lifestyle interventions and early detection strategies.

On this , let’s recognize the power of science, innovation, and collaboration in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.

References: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964%2823%2900230-X/fulltext?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964%2823%2900489-9/fulltext?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736%2824%2901883-X/abstract?utm_source=chatgpt.com

19/09/2025

📢 Exciting read for vaccinology enthusiasts!

Check out this Editor’s Choice review: "Recent Scientific Advancements towards a Vaccine against Group A Streptococcus"

✍️ Authored by Jingyi Fan, Istvan Toth, and Rachel J. Stephenson

Discover the latest progress in the development of a vaccine targeting Group A Streptococcus and the scientific strategies behind it.

👉 Read it for free here: https://brnw.ch/21wVuQb

Group A Streptococcus (GAS), or Streptococcus pyogenes, is a gram-positive bacterium that extensively colonises within the human host. GAS is responsible for causing a range of human infections, such as pharyngitis, impetigo, scarlet fever, septicemia, and necrotising fasciitis. GAS pathogens have t...

17/09/2025

🎓 We’re proud to share that Vanessa Pencelli, alumni of the Master in Vaccinology and Drug Development, has published her thesis in Frontiers in Public Health!

Her work explores key insights on public health preparedness and vaccine innovation, contributing to the scientific community and advancing the field of vaccinology.

👉 Read the full article here: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1617066/full

BackgroundThe “100 Days Mission” (100DM), designed by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), represents an ambitious new concept in vacc...

17/09/2025

🩺 World Patient Safety Day – Ensuring Safe Vaccination Practices

On this World Patient Safety Day, we emphasize the critical role of vaccine safety in protecting patients: from storage to administration, every step matters.

Key principles for healthcare professionals:
✅ Vaccine Safety Checklist:
*Cold chain management: Maintain vaccines at recommended temperatures throughout storage and transport.
*Proper handling: Minimize exposure to light, heat, or agitation during preparation.
*Medication verification: Always double-check vaccine type, dose, and expiration before administration.
*Adverse event reporting: Promptly record and report any suspected reactions.
*Staff training: Ensure all personnel are trained in safe handling and administration protocols.

Patient safety begins with vigilance, proper handling, and strong pharmacovigilance systems—essential to prevent avoidable harm and protect lives.

▫️ www.ifgh.org

13/09/2025

🌍 World Sepsis Day

Sepsis is responsible for nearly 11 million deaths annually—many of which are preventable. Beyond early detection and timely care, vaccination plays a crucial role in reducing the infections that can lead to sepsis.

💉 Key vaccines with proven impact:
Pneumococcal: lowers hospitalizations and mortality from invasive pneumococcal disease.
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib): routine immunization reduced Hib-related sepsis by >90% worldwide.
Meningococcal: prevents rapidly fatal meningococcal sepsis, with strong impact in regions with robust immunization programs.
Influenza: decreases severe flu complications and secondary bacterial infections that may trigger sepsis.

📊 Evidence shows that investing in vaccination not only prevents infections but also saves lives by reducing the burden of sepsis across populations.

On this , we reaffirm the role of vaccines as a cornerstone in the fight against sepsis—protecting both individuals and health systems.
▫️ www.ifgh.org

13/09/2025

🩺🌍 Today on World First Aid Day, we highlight a crucial but often overlooked aspect of first aid: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

After incidents such as animal bites, contaminated wounds, or needle-stick injuries, timely PEP can prevent life-threatening infections like rabies, tetanus, and hepatitis B.

First aid is not only about immediate care—it’s also about protecting the future through vaccination and preventive action.

💉 Empowering health professionals and communities with this knowledge can save lives.

▫️ www.ifgh.org