Background
Vaccines and immunization are among the most effective public health interventions, preventing millions of deaths each year from diseases such as measles, polio, tetanus, and pneumonia. Beyond saving lives, immunization reduces healthcare costs, prevents outbreaks, and improves productivity.
Advances in vaccine technology, including recombinant, conjugate, and mRNA vaccines, have increased the complexity of immunization programs. Expanded target populations, introduction of new vaccines, cold chain management, digital systems, and vaccine safety monitoring require skilled health professionals and continuous capacity building to ensure safe, effective, and high-quality immunization services.
In low- and middle-income countries such as Ethiopia, vaccine-preventable diseases remain major public health threats due to weak health systems, limited infrastructure, and shortages of trained personnel. Strengthening immunization programs requires not only expanding vaccine access but also enhancing regulatory oversight, safety monitoring, and technical expertise in vaccine evaluation and introduction.
Developing a comprehensive vaccinology training program that integrates scientific, regulatory, and programmatic aspects of immunization is essential to equip health professionals, regulators, and program managers with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the safe and effective use of vaccines.
Call for Applications – Basic Vaccinology Course (BVAC)
The Ethiopian Vaccines and Immunization Center of Excellence invites eligible health professionals, researchers, immunization program managers, public health specialists, regulatory experts, policymakers, partners, and early-career researchers to apply for the Basic Vaccinology Course (BVAC).
Course Duration: 5 Days
Apply NowPurpose
The purpose is to equip health professionals to understand not only how vaccines work and how vaccine-preventable diseases spread, but also how vaccines are developed and tested for safety, efficacy, and effectiveness, and how vaccines are delivered within health systems.
Course Aim
To equip participants with core knowledge and practical understanding of epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases, immunological mechanisms of vaccines, vaccine research and development, vaccine regulation and approval, vaccine economics, immunization policy, and decision-making.
Course Objectives
Describe the burden and epidemiology of major vaccine-preventable diseases.
Describe the history and development of vaccines.
Explain different types of vaccines, their components, and how they work.
Understand immune responses to vaccination.
Explain vaccine research and development, including preclinical and clinical trials.
Understand ethical considerations of vaccine clinical trials.
Understand national and international vaccines and immunization policies.
Apply knowledge to improve vaccination advocacy and practice.
Target Participants
| Module | Title | Topics |
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| Module 1 | VPDs Epidemiology |
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| Module 2 | Basic Immunology |
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| Module 3 | Introduction to Vaccinology |
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| Module 4 | Vaccines and Types of Vaccines |
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| Module 5 | Vaccine Research and Development |
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| Module 6 | Vaccine Technology and Manufacturing |
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| Module 7 | Vaccine Evaluation, Approval, and Safety Monitoring |
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| Module 8 | Immunization Policy and Decision Making |
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| Module 9 | Practical Applications |
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Teaching and Learning Methods
Lectures and Presentations
- Expert-led lectures covering key vaccinology concepts
- Scientific presentations on vaccines and immunization systems
Interactive Discussions
- Group discussions and knowledge-sharing activities
- Engagement with facilitators and participants
Case Studies
- Practical case-based learning approaches
- Application of knowledge to real immunization challenges
Course Duration
Intensive training program combining theoretical knowledge and practical learning activities.
Assessment and Evaluation
Assessment Activities
- Participation in discussions and group work
- Case study evaluation
- Course feedback and improvement survey
Certification
- Certificate of completion (optional)
- Provided through MOH, WITS, and partners
Expected Outcomes
Gain foundational knowledge in vaccinology, immunology, vaccine-preventable disease epidemiology, and vaccine trials.
Understand how vaccines are developed, tested, evaluated, and monitored.
Strengthen decision-making and advocacy skills in immunization practice.
Contribute to improved vaccine delivery and better public health outcomes.