Why do we need vaccine research?

The national vaccination programme protects the Finnish population from several severe infectious diseases. Vaccines are also available outside the programme, for travellers and special populations, for example.
 
Vaccines have eradicated smallpox worldwide, and polio has almost disappeared as well. Substantial progress has also been made in reducing rates of mortality to numerous other infectious diseases, and considerably fewer people have been left with permanent health problems. This would not have been possible without continuous development work. 
 
Through research, we can develop new and better vaccines and test the suitability of vaccines already in use for protecting special populations, such as people with autoimmune diseases, pregnant women, children, or the elderly.