A new coronavirus, most likely spilled over from an animal species, has
plunged us into the third epidemic of this kind in the last twenty
years, against which there were neither vaccines nor therapies.While we
argue over the future of humanity, vulnerable to the ecological and
environmental degradation that has enabled the pandemic, extraordinary
technologies have been developed to combat infectious diseases. In just
eleven months it was possible to develop, test and produce the vaccines
that are gradually enabling us to escape the SARS-CoV-2 nightmare. In
addition, with the legacy of the technologies developed against
COVID-19, we will be able to overcome antimicrobial resistance--a slow
but inexorable pandemic.As vaccinologists are churning out increasingly
precise and effective solutions, vaccine acceptance seems to be
receding. Outbreaks of preventable diseases have prompted the health
authorities of several countries to make childhood vaccinations
mandatory again. Much remains to be done, but a public capable of
distinguishing authoritative voices from misleading ones will be able to
enjoy the vaccines of tomorrow more widely. Vaccines in the Global Era
is an easy-to-read book that can be read by virtually anyone who wants
to learn about the importance, effectiveness and safety of vaccines in
preventing infectious diseases.Vaccines are cheap, save countless lives,
and are more effective than the best medicines. Let's try to make the
best use of them for the health of the people and animals living
together on this beautiful planet.
