Welcome to Vaccines Beat 18th issue!
In our Coffee with an Expert section, we had the privilege of speaking with Professor Helen McShane, one of the world’s leading figures in tuberculosis (TB) vaccine development. Trained in psychology and medicine at the University of London, her early clinical work during the height of the HIV epidemic inspired her lifelong commitment to infectious disease research. Drawn to neglected pathogens, she chose Mycobacterium tuberculosis as her focus—a decision that shaped her groundbreaking career. Prof. McShane led the development of MVA85A, the first new TB vaccine candidate in more than 40 years to enter human efficacy trials and has been instrumental in advancing global clinical and scientific capacity for TB vaccine evaluation. She also chairs the TBVI Advisory Committee and has pioneered innovations such as controlled human mycobacterial challenge models, aerosol vaccine delivery, and advanced immunomonitoring. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, she has mentored many of today’s TB research leaders. Her conversation with us offered a candid and insightful view of the current and future TB vaccine pipeline—highlighting immunologic advances, the substantial challenges in clinical development, and the strategies needed to overcome them.
In this edition’s Editor’s Corner, we explore a critical public-health topic: why every newborn should receive the Hepatitis B vaccine at birth—and the serious risks of foregoing this life-saving intervention. We break down the science, the global epidemiology, and the long-term consequences of missed early protection.
Our Best Practice section highlights updated vaccination guidelines and key clinical considerations for adults living with HIV, offering practical, evidence-based insights to support clinicians in optimizing immunization strategies for this vulnerable population.
Finally, in our Guest Contributor section, Dr. Mónica Reyes-Berlanga—a renowned pediatric infectious diseases specialist, professor, and current President of the Mexican Association of Pediatric Infectious Diseases—offers an exceptional commentary titled “Why Immunization Committees Are Essential for Medical Societies.” She clearly articulates the indispensable role these committees play, particularly within infectious disease disciplines, and highlights their core functions in shaping evidence-based policy, guiding educational initiatives, and strengthening clinical practice.
As always, this issue features carefully curated and up-to-date information on the ‘Latest Scientific Publications’ along with the most recent and important ‘News and Alerts’.
We hope you find this December issue both informative and engaging, and we look forward to continuing this shared commitment to advancing global health and building a healthier planet.
