In 2010, the India Vaccinology Course or INDVAC, was implemented as an educational method to address the need for knowledge and research in the field of Vaccinology. Vaccines have been able to transform public health on an international level and have been an ever-present health concern specifically in the Global South. It is imperative for vaccinology professionals and researchers in medicine and science to study a comprehensive science of Vaccinology. This would improve the discourse and successful implementation of vaccines to all communities, including those that do not have appropriate access or information. INDVAC focuses on a regional understanding of vaccines by providing students of the course–professionals in the public health field–to improve their skills through the immunological and epidemiological training.
INDVAC follows the framework of the Advanced Vaccinology Course (ADVAC) that is held every ye
ar in Annecy, France and also supports Global Health students to learn about innovation in research in regards to vaccinations.
The current COVID-19 crisis has thrown into sharp relief the need for public health professionals and members of the medical community to be trained in the intricacies of vaccine technology. This period of accelerated vaccine development has harnessed many new technologies, and has also demonstrated four key facets of the field, including the expedited need for testing vaccines through the various phases of clinical trials, the challenges posed by cold chain requirements in mass vaccination programmes, the strategies available for delivery of these large-scale vaccination programs in a short span of time, and finally the acceptance of vaccines by the public in the age of information overload. These varied concerns inherent in the study of vaccines, brought to bear by the current pandemic, have re-emphasized the need for high-quality education in the field of vaccinology.
Who can apply
Anyone working in the field of Vaccinology with knowledge of biology. The course is aimed at specialists in infectious diseases, microbiologists, virologists, paediatricians, physicians, research nurses, team members of vaccine trials, members of contract (or clinical) research organizations (CRO), vaccine industry professionals