WELCOME TO OUR 13TH ISSUE OF VACCINES BEAT AND SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE!
In our Coffee with an Expert section, we had the distinct honor of speaking with Professor Dr. Carol J. Baker. A renowned infectious diseases clinician, researcher, educator, and vaccinologist, Dr. Baker is internationally recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to pediatric infectious diseases and vaccine policy.
She currently serves as Professor of Pediatrics and of Molecular Virology and Microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where she previously led the Section of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Pediatrics for 25 years.
Widely celebrated as “the Godmother of Group B Strep Prevention,” Dr. Baker’s pioneering research established the critical link between maternal immunity and neonatal group B streptococcal (GBS) disease. She is the immediate past chair of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and has served as president of both the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
Dr. Baker’s career exemplifies the power of combining scientific excellence with unwavering advocacy, and her impact on maternal and child health continues to resonate globally.
In our conversation, Dr. Baker shared rich insights on the evolution of vaccine research in the United States and worldwide. She also provided a compelling, in-depth explanation of the discovery of GBS as a cause of neonatal sepsis and discussed the current status and future prospects of GBS vaccination. Emphasizing the critical importance of maternal immunization, she described it as a life-saving intervention that has already protected—and will continue to protect—millions of mothers and newborns around the world.
In this edition’s Editor’s Corner, we delve into the evolving global landscape of HIV vaccination—reflecting on past lessons while addressing present challenges and future opportunities.
In our Best Practice section, we present a comprehensive overview of current indications and recommendations for the Herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine.
In our Guest Contributor section, we are pleased to feature an outstanding editorial by Dr. Maria Jose Diaz-Gutierrez and Dr. Aileen Chang titled “Guardians of Tomorrow: How Vaccination Leads the Battle Against Tropical Diseases, and Why Adult Women Must Be Considered for Chikungunya Immunization.”
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 July issue both informative and engaging, and we look forward to continuing this shared commitment to advancing global health and building a healthier planet.
