Scientists call for advocacy to protect vital global vaccine research

Scientists and doctors should advocate for protecting the vaccine research infrastructure that has saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years, according to a new commentary by researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College and the University of Washington.

The authors highlight the converging challenges facing society today, including declining routine immunization rates, increasing measles incidence, and growing distrust of science. Meanwhile, shifts in government priorities and funding are weakening the institutions that have long supported vaccine research and delivery.

In addition to putting some of the world’s most vulnerable communities at risk, these changes increase the risk that disease outbreaks will spread within the United States and internationally, the authors say. A recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship and an ongoing Ebola outbreak in West Africa have infected Americans and require government action to contain and treat the virus to prevent further infections.

“The loss of trust in and continued cuts to U.S. scientific institutions poses an immediate threat to the pipeline of vaccine scientists and, by extension, to the health and safety of the public, and requires urgent action,” said lead author Dr. Sally Palmer, Weill Cornell Chair of Pediatrics and Nancy C. Paduano Professor of Pediatrics. “Scientists need to communicate with the public in new ways to understand the value of vaccines and protect the infrastructure that keeps us safe.”

The commentary, published May 22 in Nature Microbiology, calls on researchers to work with policymakers and the public to counter misinformation. The report emphasizes that investing in vaccine research infrastructure and training programs not only protects the health and safety of communities, but also protects economic stability and national security.

This commentary was co-authored by Dr. Cassandra Simonich, a pediatric infectious disease researcher at the University of Washington in Seattle, and Irina Das Ewen, a pediatric staff associate at Weill Cornell University.

Decades of scientific investment and international cooperation are the basis for successes such as eradicating smallpox and rapidly developing a COVID-19 vaccine. The mRNA technology developed for vaccines could also lead to new treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

Such progress depends on steady investment, support for young researchers, and global cooperation. But cuts to federal funding for vaccine research and the elimination of immunology, microbiology, and public health training programs at U.S. universities threaten the pipeline of new vaccine scientists and the research infrastructure needed to protect the world from future pandemics, the commentary said.

The authors note that the United States is a center of vaccine innovation and training and is building research partnerships globally. However, the US withdrawal from the World Health Organization and long-term partnership with Gavi, the vaccine alliance, could result in 75 million fewer children being vaccinated worldwide and potentially 1.2 million more preventable deaths.

The researchers suggest that scientists participate in advocacy efforts, such as through coalitions, social media campaigns, and training workshops, to highlight the importance of funding science. “We can make a difference by directly sharing stories about the real-world impact of vaccines, whether through written commentaries, instructional videos or speaking at community events,” Das Ewen said. Additionally, working with journalists can ensure accurate reporting and rebuild public trust.

The research infrastructure we rely on was built on the advocacy of previous generations of vaccine scientists. Now it’s our turn to step up and protect the hard-won gains of our predecessors. ”

Dr. Sally Perma, Chief Pediatrician, NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Children’s Hospital, New York Children’s Hospital