ABSTRACT
This chapter begins by providing background information on vaccines: how they were invented and developed, the types of vaccines currently available and their components. It then goes on to define key properties of vaccines (potency, stability, immunogenicity and safety). While potency and stability are intrinsic properties of a vaccine, immunogenicity and safety also depend on the interaction of the vaccine with its recipient. The chapter then provides an overview of the different routes of administration of currently licensed vaccines. Lastly, the chapter provides a brief overview of the steps before a vaccine is implemented in a vaccination programme and where vaccines are manufactured.
