PROMISE & World Immunisation Week 2022

Although the first vaccine to be developed was in 1796 to fight against Smallpox, immunisation techniques have a longer history and dates back to the mid-1500 century (read here to find out more!).

Thanks to the introduction of vaccination programmes, at least 8 diseases are considered nearly eradicated or eradicated such as polio, rubella or measles. In fact, to date, the WHO has declared only 2 diseases officially eradicated, smallpox and rinderpest (a deadly bovine disease), both of them thanks to vaccines. Without vaccines, deaths of children around the world would be double what they are today.

Besides the use of vaccines, which is defined as active immunisation, passive immunisation options are also available for some diseases. Passive immunisation can be induced when the antibodies to fight against the disease are introduced to the human body. This can happen naturally (i.e. from the mom to the baby via the placenta or breast milk) or artificially when antibodies are given as a medication to a nonimmune individual.

Despite a significant volume of evidence indicating immunisation is one of the most successful public health interventions, coverage has plateaued over the last decade. It is therefore imperative that efforts are put towards building immunisation awareness and improving confidence in science. PROMISE is contributing to this effort by advancing scientific knowledge of the RSV. The project aims at better informing public health strategies and to support the development and introduction of novel immunisations strategies.

Without vaccines, deaths of children around the world would be double what they are today.

Since there are currently various immunisation products (vaccines and monoclonal antibodies) in late-stage clinical trials, PROMISE aims to prepare for the introduction of such treatments and prophylactic interventions. PROMISE works closely with RSV patient networks to create awareness of RSV disease and provide factual and transparent information on treatment and preventive solutions to decrease disease burden, improve public health, and foster trust in science by society at large.

Healthcare authorities will now prepare for the introduction of a novel immunisation tools into national immunisation programmes across Europe. This can hold the key to preventing population risk groups (infants, pregnant women and elderly people) from getting severely ill. The PROMISE Consortium, formed by scientists from academia and industry, clinicians, public health agencies, patient groups, and clinical societies joints this effort to reach further to fight against RSV disease.