- 19th IVI International Vaccinology Course brings together 175 trainees and faculty members from 49 countries
- The annual course has trained over 1,544 healthcare professionals in vaccine development, evaluation, production and policy to help increase developing nations’ capacity in vaccine research and immunization.

September 6, 2019 – SEOUL, South Korea – The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has concluded its 19th annual Vaccinology Course as part of the mandate to build capacity of healthcare professionals from low- and middle-income countries to fight epidemics. By bringing vaccine professionals and global health experts together, IVI intends to help countries to safely deliver more vaccines on the ground in disease-stricken populations and help save more lives.
In addition to 134 trainees from 49 countries, the five-day course brought together 41 number of experts from academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations -including Stanford University, Seoul National University, Yonsei University, CEPI, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Merck, and GSK thereby delivering a comprehensive overview of vaccinology with a focus on practicality. Beginning with a refresher in epidemiology and immunology, the course covers the vaccine development spectrum from applied topics in discovery, development, and delivery. During the course, renowned vaccinologist Prof. Stanley Plotkin from the University of Pennsylvania, USA, paid tribute to the late Dr. Adel A.F Mahmoud and delivered a ‘History of Vaccines’ session through videoconferencing.
“This year’s IVI Vaccinology Course couldn’t have come at a more crucial time, as the alarming outbreaks of infectious diseases have become one the most important challenges of global public health today” according to Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI. “In the midst of the ongoing Ebola crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is essential that the international community work together and accelerate its efforts to address potential outbreaks of not only emerging diseases such as MERS and Chikungunya, but also neglected yet highly dangerous infections such as cholera, typhoid, Group Strep A, and Schistosomiasis.”
Vaccines are one of the most cost-effective interventions in preventing infectious diseases. However, many developing countries are still lacking the capacity to improve their immunization rates and overall public health status, and this requires a concerted effort by the international community.
Dr. Kim explains: “Capacity building is a vital component in IVI’s approach to increasing access to vaccines and health, and promoting vaccine sustainability in low- and middle-income countries. By bringing together and training professionals from around the world, we can affect transformative change and make a difference in epidemic-prone regions.”
“Next year will mark the 20th edition of IVI’s Vaccinology Course” says Dr. Sushant Sahastrabuddhe, Director for the Vaccinology Course at IVI. “We are proud to build on a legacy of 19 years, training more than 1,544 vaccine professionals from around the world, particularly from low- and middle-income countries, and fostering a robust network of health and vaccine professionals, and partnerships in research and public health.”
In light of the course, please find below an infographic, depicted the vaccine development process for developing countries.



About The International Vaccine Institute
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is the world’s only international organization devoted exclusively to developing and introducing new and improved vaccines to protect the world’s poorest people, especially children in developing countries. Established in 1997, IVI operates as an independent international organization under a treaty signed by 35 countries and the World Health Organization. The Institute conducts research in more than 30 countries throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America on vaccines against enteric and diarrheal infections, Japanese encephalitis, MERS-CoV, Group A Strep, and Schistosomiasis, and develops new and improved vaccines at its headquarters in Seoul, Republic of Korea. For more information, please visit www.ivi.int
This year’s course is sponsored by Community Chest of Korea, Sky 72 Golf Club, GSK, and Visit Seoul.net
Contact
- About the vaccinology course
Sushant Sahastrabuddhe, Director, IVI vaccinology course
+ 82 2 881 1365 | sushants@ivi.int
Aerie Em, Global Communications and Program Consultant
+82 2 881 1386 | aerie.em@ivi.int