Vaccine and Immunology

Vaccine-Induced Immunity and Duration of Protection

Understanding vaccine-induced immunity and the duration of protection is critical for designing effective immunization strategies. Vaccine efficacy depends not only on the initial immune response but also on the persistence of protective antibodies and memory T and B cells. Research investigates factors that influence immune longevity, including antigen type, adjuvant selection, dosing intervals, age, genetic background, and comorbidities. Booster doses and heterologous vaccination strategies are explored to maintain immunity over time, particularly for pathogens with high mutation rates. Longitudinal studies and immunological profiling provide insights into the kinetics of immune responses, informing recommendations for revaccination and global vaccination schedules. Assessing correlates of protection helps predict population-level immunity and guides the development of next-generation vaccines with improved durability. This area of research is essential for preventing disease resurgence, optimizing vaccine strategies for special populations, and achieving long-term public health goals.