In the century since laboratory development of vaccines began, there has been an explosion of knowledge related to methods of inducing immunity and vaccine development. Along with changes in public sanitation and hygiene, the development of vaccines has dramatically affected the spectrum and frequency of communicable diseases that we see today.
Even during the past decade, vaccine research and development have progressed at a rapid pace, and over the horizon is potentially an equally impressive amount to yet be learned. Young clinicians and physicians in training tend to accept the value of vaccines but lack the firsthand knowledge to truly appreciate their dramatic impact on health, especially children's health. In Vaccines, Plotkin and Mortimer allow us to explore the history and science of existing vaccines and then give us a glimpse into the future of vaccine development.
The book is a 633-page comprehensive text. Subjects covered include existing licensed vaccines,