Many diseases currently lack a vaccine. There is not one single answer to this question. Several examples highlight the ongoing challenge of vaccine development.
Diseases Without Widely Available Vaccines
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Lyme disease: While a vaccine existed previously, it was withdrawn from the market. Scientists are actively working on developing new Lyme disease vaccines. Source: AAMC - Lyme disease is on the rise. Why is there still no vaccine?
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West Nile Virus: This mosquito-borne illness has no currently available vaccine or cure for humans. Its continued spread highlights the need for further research. Source: BBC - The mosquito-bourne virus that's spreading without a cure
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Malaria: A long-lasting, effective malaria vaccine remains elusive, despite ongoing efforts. Source: The New York Times - Why Don't We Have Vaccines Against Everything?
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Tuberculosis: Similar to malaria, a widely effective vaccine against tuberculosis is still unavailable. Source: The New York Times - Why Don't We Have Vaccines Against Everything?
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Other Diseases: Numerous other diseases, including human hookworm, schistosomiasis, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, also lack licensed vaccines. Source: BCM - Vaccine Nation: 10 most important diseases without a licensed vaccine
The absence of a vaccine for many diseases underscores the complexities of vaccine development and the continued need for scientific advancements in this crucial field. The challenges range from the difficulty of creating effective immunogens to the economic and logistical hurdles of widespread vaccine deployment.
