Abstract

Vaccination has played a central role in the historical and modern fight against infectious diseases. This review explores the evolution of infectious disease perception from ancient humoral theories to the modern “One Health” framework, reflecting the integration of environmental, animal, and human health. Vaccines have not only reduced morbidity and mortality but have also provided profound economic and developmental benefits across societies. Climate change, antimicrobial resistance, and the rapid emergence of new infectious threats have prompted innovations in vaccine technologies, including messenger RNA, DNA, viral vector, and nanoparticle-based platforms. These advances support personalized vaccine strategies, such as vaccinomics, and extend their application to noncommunicable diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer disease. Despite their success, vaccines face challenges including global access disparities, waning immunity, pathogen evolution, and vaccine hesitancy. Nonetheless, vaccination remains a cornerstone of global health security, with strong returns on investment and crucial roles in socioeconomic stabilization during pandemics. Future vaccine strategies must integrate technological innovation with equitable access and public trust, for instance, through global initiatives like the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations and the World Health Organization COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access, and the establishment of regional manufacturing hubs to effectively respond to unpredictable threats like “Disease X.”

• Keywords: Infectious disease medicine; Review; Vaccination