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The Sealy Center for Vaccine Development was inaugurated in December, 2001.
With 69 faculty members, the center incorporates the expertise of more than 100
cutting edge research programs currently at UTMB. These newly formed
relationships, as well as collaborative relationships with investigators
elsewhere, will help us translate laboratory findings to the bedside and
beyond.
The center fosters the highest quality collaborative and programmatic research and facilitates the translation of laboratory findings to prevention of infectious diseases in the community. Specific examples of diseases and pathogens for which vaccine development research and/or clinical trials are being conducted include: malaria, respiratory viruses (including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus), flaviviruses (including Hepatitis C), sexually transmitted diseases (including genital herpes, papillomavirus, and gonorrhea), rickettsial organisms (including Rickettsia and Ehrlichia spp.), Rift Valley Fever, and enteric bacteria such as H. pylori. Members of the center also examine influences on vaccine acceptance and uptake, and address issues relevant to the development of public policies governing health care. In addition, the center facilitates education and training in vaccinology for graduate students and physicians. The community outreach program develops and implements model programs which foster increased rates of vaccination within our own local community and can be exported to other communities.
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