Vaccine History Timeline

2024

ACIP recommends MenB-4C (Bexsero®) be administered as a 2-dose series at 0 and 6 months when given to healthy adolescents and young adults aged 16–23 years based on shared clinical decision-making. ACIP recommends MenB-4C (Bexsero®) be administered as a 3-dose series at 0, 1–2, and 6 months when given to persons aged 10 years and older at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. October 24, 2024

CDC approves ACIP recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised to receive a second dose of 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine six months after their first dose. October 23, 2024

CDC approves ACIP recommendation for lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. October 23, 2024

FDA approves respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (ABRYSVO – Pfizer) for individuals 18 through 59 years of age who are at increased risk for lower respiratory tract disease caused by RSV. October 22, 2024

FDA approves influenza A virus H5N1 subtype vaccine (Arepanrix – ID Biomedical) for use in individuals 6 months and older at increased risk of exposure to the influenza A virus H5N1 subtype contained in the vaccine. October 18, 2024

CDC HAN Prevention strategies for Mpox, including vaccinating people at risk via sexual exposure, for U.S. Travelers visiting countries with Clade I Mpox Outbreaks. September 23, 2024

FDA Approves nasal spray influenza vaccine (LAIV FluMist)for self- or caregiver-administration for 2025-26 season. September 20, 2024

ACIP recommends 21-valent PCV (PCV21) as an option for adults aged 19 years and older who are currently recommended to receive PCV15 or PCV20. September 12, 2024

ACIP recommends that Vaxelis [DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB]) be included with monovalent PRP-OMP (Pedvax Hib)in the preferential recommendation for AI/AN infants based on the Hib component. September 12, 2024

ACIP recommends use of the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines for persons six months and older. September 10, 2024

FDA granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for an updated version of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for use in individuals 12 years of age and older. August 30, 2024

ACIP recommendations: Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza with Vaccines, US, 2024–25 Influenza Season. August 29, 2024

FDA approved an expanded indication for ACAM2000 (Emergent BioSolutions) smallpox/mpox vaccine to include prevention of mpox disease in people at high risk for mpox infection. August 29, 2024

FDA approved and granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (2024-2025 formula) manufactured by Moderna and Pfizer. August 22, 2024

FDA revised Bexsero (Glaxo) dosing schedule in individuals 10 through 25 years to two doses administered at 0 and 6 months, and includes a three dose schedule of Bexsero administered at 0, 1-2, and 6 months. August 19, 2024

CDC HAN Health Update Mpox Caused by Human-to-Human Transmission of Monkeypox Virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with Spread to Neighboring Countries. August 7, 2024

ACIP recommendations for the use of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines in adults 60 years and older. August 6, 2024

CDC approves ACIP recommendations for RSV for adults, DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB (Vaxelis®️), COVID-19, Influenza, and Pneumococcal Vaccines. June 28, 2024

CDC Recommends Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines for Fall/Winter Virus Season. June 27, 2024

CDC Updates RSV Vaccination Recommendation for Adults. June 26, 2024

CDC HAN Health Advisory “Increased Risk of Dengue Virus Infections in the United States.” June 25, 2024

FDA approves PCV21 (Capvaxive, Merck) in individuals 18 years of age and older. June 17, 2024

FDA updates advice to manufacturers of COVID-19 Vaccines (2024-2025 Formula): If feasible Use KP.2 Strain of JN.1-Lineage. June 13, 2024

FDA approves expanded age indication for Arexvy (GSK) the first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for adults aged 50-59 at increased risk. June 10, 2024

FDA approves Mrsevia (mRNA-1345), an mRNA respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, to protect adults aged 60 years and older. May 31, 2024

CDC HAN Health Advisory “Meningococcal Disease Cases Linked to Travel to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA): Ensure Pilgrims are Current on Meningococcal Vaccination.” May 20, 2024

ACIP recommends use of an additional updated 2023–2024 COVID-19 vaccine dose for adults aged 65 Years and older. April 25, 2024

ACIP recommendations for use of pentavalent meningococcal vaccine (Pfizer) for persons 10 years and older. April 18, 2024

CDC HAN Health Advisory “Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus: Identification of Human Infection and Recommendations for Investigations and Response.” April 5, 2024

CDC HAN Health Advisory “Increase in Invasive Serogroup Y Meningococcal Disease in the United States.” March 28, 2024

CDC HAN Health Advisory “Increase in Global and Domestic Measles Cases and Outbreaks: Ensure Children in the United States and Those Traveling Internationally 6 Months and Older are Current on MMR Vaccination.” March 18, 2024

CDC posts guidance for constrained U.S. Td supply, 2024. March 6, 2024

CDC updates and simplifies respiratory virus recommendations. March 1, 2024

CDC endorses ACIP recommendations for additional dose 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 65 years and older and Chikungunya vaccine for travelers and lab workers. February 28, 2024

CDC urges mpox vaccination for those eligible given continued U.S. mpox cases. February 12, 2024

CDC COCA Now – Stay alert for measles cases. January 25, 2024

CDC’s guidance on using Td for infants and children who should not receive acellular pertussis-containing vaccines. January 23, 2024

CDC COCA Now – Information on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine administration errors in young children and pregnant people. January 22, 2024

MMWR – ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 Years or Younger — US, 2024. January 11, 2024

MMWR – ACIP Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 Years or Older — US, 2024. January 11, 2024

CDC COCA Now – Updated guidance for healthcare providers on increased supply of nirsevimab to protect young children from severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 season. January 5, 2024

2023

ACIP recommends Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) for all adults 18 years and older known or suspected to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against polio. December 8, 2023

2024 U.S. Recommended Immunization Schedule for Adults Aged 19 years or older posted. November 16, 2023

2024 U.S. Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adolescents Aged 18 years or younger posted. November 16, 2023

ACIP recommends use of Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) vaccine for certain travelers and any laboratory workers who work with the virus. November 10, 2023

FDA approves the first chikungunya vaccine (IXCHIQ, Valneva), approved for individuals 18 years of age and older who are at increased risk of exposure to chikungunya virus.  November 9, 2023

CDC approves ACIP recommendations for meningococcal and mpox vaccines, approves the 2024 US Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, including addenda for new and updated vaccine recommendations. October 26, 2023

CDC HAN- Limited Availability of Nirsevimab in the United States—Interim CDC Recommendations to Protect Infants from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) during the 2023–2024 Respiratory Virus Season. October 23, 2023

FDA approves Penbraya (PFR) for ages 10 through 25 years, a pentavalent vaccine protects against five meningococcal bacteria groups – A, B, C, W and Y – which are known to commonly cause the disease. October 20, 2023

ACIP recommends use of updated COVID-19 vaccines for persons 6 months of age and older.  October 10, 2023

ACIP recommends RSV vaccine (Abrysvo, Pfizer) for pregnant persons at 32–36 weeks’ gestation using seasonal administration (September–January in most of the United States) to prevent RSV-associated lower respiratory infections in infants less than 6 months of age. October 6, 2023

FDA amends EUA to include Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2023-2024 Formula), now authorized for use in individuals 12 years of age and older. Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (Original monovalent) is no longer authorized for use in the United States. October 3, 2023

ACIP recommendations on the use of PCV20 (Pfizer) for children. September 29, 2023

CDC recommends new vaccine to help protect babies against severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness after birth. September 22, 2023

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine. Updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna will be available later this week. September 12, 2023

FDA approves and authorizes emergency use of updated mRNA vaccines (Moderna, Pfizer) for 2023-24. The updated mRNA vaccines are each approved for individuals 12 years of age and older and are authorized under emergency use for individuals 6 months through 11 years of age. Bivalent Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. September 11, 2023

ACIP recommendations for using pneumococcal vaccine in adults 19 and older. September 8, 2023

ACIP recommendations for using nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi) in infants under 8 months old born during or entering their first RSV season and for infants and children 8–19 months old who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease entering their second RSV season. August 25, 2023

ACIP recommendations for the prevention and control of seasonal influenza with vaccines for the 2023–24 influenza season. August 25, 2023

FDA approves the first vaccine (Abrysvo, Pfizer) for pregnant individuals at 32–36 weeks gestational age, to prevent RSV in infants up to 6 months old. August 21, 2023

CDC adopts ACIP recommendation for using nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi), a long-acting monoclonal antibody product shown to reduce the risk of both hospitalizations and healthcare visits for RSV in infants by about 80 percent. August 3, 2023

FDA approved Ebola vaccine (Ervebo, Merck) to include individuals 12 months and older. July 27, 2023

ACIP recommendations for using RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine (Pfizer Abrysvo and GSK Arexvy) in older adults. July 21, 2023

FDA approved Cyfendus (Emergent BioSolutions) (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, Adjuvanted) a two-dose anthrax vaccine for post-exposure prophylaxis use for adults aged 18–65. July 20, 2023

CDC adopted 2023–24 ACIP flu vaccination recommendations, to be published in the summer. June 29, 2023

CDC adopted ACIP recommendations for using RSV vaccine in adults 60 and older using shared clinical decision-making. June 29, 2023

ACIP interim recommendations for using bivalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 6 months to 5 years, adults 65 and older, and those with immunocompromising conditions. June 16, 2023

FDA approved Abrysvo (Pfizer) RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine, approved for individuals 60 and older. May 31, 2023

End of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. May 11, 2023

FDA approved the first RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine. Arexvy (GSK) was approved for individuals 60 and older. May 3, 2023

FDA authorized additional doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, bivalent for ages 6 months through 4 years with immunocompromise who had previously received three 0.2 mL doses (Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, bivalent). April 28, 2023

FDA approves Prevnar 20 (Pfizer) for infants and children, now approved for 6 weeks and older. April 27, 2023

CDC simplified COVID-19 vaccine recommendations to allow older and immunocompromised adults to get a second dose of the bivalent vaccine. April 19, 2023

FDA amended EUAs of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 bivalent mRNA vaccines. Bivalent vaccines were to be used for all doses given to individuals 6 months and older. Monovalent COVID-19 vaccines were no longer authorized for use in the United States. April 18, 2023

FDA authorized bivalent Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine as a booster dose for certain children 6 months through 4 years old. March 14, 2023

CDC released the 2023 recommended immunization schedule for children, adolescents, and adults. February 10, 2023

2022

CDC expanded updated COVID-19 vaccines to include children 6 months through 5 years old. December 9, 2022

FDA authorized updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines for children as young as 6 months old. December 8, 2022

ACIP recommended Priorix (GSK) as an additional option to prevent MMR according to existing vaccine recommendations and off-label uses. November 18, 2022

ACIP interim recommendations for using bivalent booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines. November 11, 2022

CDC allowed 18-year-olds and older the option to receive a Novavax monovalent booster instead of an updated (bivalent) Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna booster if they have completed primary series vaccination but have not previously received a COVID-19 booster. October 19, 2022

FDA issued an EUA for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine to provide a first booster dose to individuals 18 and older for whom an FDA-authorized mRNA bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine was not accessible or clinically appropriate and to individuals 18 and older who elect to receive the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. October 19, 2022

CDC recommended expanding the use of updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech for children 5–11 years old, Moderna for children and adolescents 6–11 years old) to children 5–11 years old. October 12, 2022

FDA amended EUAs to authorize bivalent formulations of COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech for children 5–11 years old, Moderna for children and adolescents 6–17 years old) for use as a single booster dose two months after a primary series or booster dose. October 12, 2022

FDA approved previously licensed Boostrix (GSK) as the first vaccine specifically for use during the third trimester of pregnancy to prevent pertussis (whooping cough) in infants younger than 2 months old. October 7, 2022

ACIP recommendation for using the cholera (Vaxchora, Emergent Biosolutions) vaccine. September 30, 2022

ACIP recommended the use of PCV15 as an option for pneumococcal vaccination for children under 19 years old, using current PCV13 dosing and schedules. September 16, 2022

The United States joined a list of 30 countries that meet WHO criteria for circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV). September 13, 2022

CDC recommended the first updated bivalent COVID-19 booster. September 1, 2022

FDA amended EUAs of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to authorize bivalent formulations for use as a single booster dose at least two months following primary or booster vaccination. August 31, 2022

CDC released ACIP recommendations for using influenza vaccines for the 2022-23 influenza season. August 26, 2022

CDC recommended Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents 12–17 years old as a primary series option. August 22, 2022

FDA expanded age indication of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, adjuvanted EUA to include individuals 12 years and older. August 19, 2022

FDA issued EUA of JYNNEOS (Bavarian Nordic A/S) allows subcutaneous administration to those under 18 and intradermal administration of vaccine to 18-year-olds and older to increase vaccine supply. August 9, 2022

FDA issued EUA for Novavax, COVID-19 vaccine adjuvanted to provide a two-dose primary series to individuals 18 and older. August 9, 2022

ACIP interim recommendation for using Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in adults 18 and older. July 13, 2022

FDA expanded age indication of Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine to include adolescents 12–15 years old for a two-dose primary series (the EUA remained in effect for additional doses for immunocompromised for 12 years and older and for booster doses). July 8, 2022

ACIP published interim recommendations for using Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines in children 6 months to 5 years old. June 28, 2022

CDC endorsed ACIPʼs recommendation of Modernaʼs COVID-19 vaccine for those 6-17 years old, in addition to its already recommended use in children 6 months through 5 years old and adults 18 and older. June 24, 2022

CDC endorsed the ACIP recommendation that all children 6 months through 5 years old should receive a Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated. June 18, 2022

FDA amended Moderna COVID-19 EUA to include the use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 17 years old. June 17, 2022

FDA amended Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 EUA to include the use of the vaccine in individuals 6 months through 4 years old. June 17, 2022

FDA approved expanded age recommendation for Vaxneuvance (PCV15, Merck) pneumococcal vaccine to individuals 6 weeks and older. June 17, 2022

FDA approved the Priorix (GSK) (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine, Live) vaccine for the prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella in individuals 12 months and older. June 3, 2022

ACIP published recommendations for using Jynneos (smallpox and monkeypox, now known as Mpox) vaccine, live, nonreplicating) for preexposure vaccination of persons at risk for occupational exposure to orthopoxviruses. May 27, 2022

CDC recommended that children 5–11 years old should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series, strengthens its recommendation that those 12 and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first. May 19, 2022

FDA amended the EUA and expanded eligibility for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to children 5–11 years old. May 17, 2022

ACIP updated rabies recommendations: use of modified preexposure prophylaxis vaccination schedule to prevent human rabies. May 6, 2022

ACIP recommended universal hepatitis B vaccination in adults 19–59 years old. April 1, 2022

FDA authorized and CDC recommended a second COVID-19 vaccine booster for certain individuals. March 29, 2022

FDA amended EUA and authorizes additional presentation of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for booster vaccination doses (dark blue caps with purple border labels). March 29, 2022

ACIP recommended using the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in adults 18 and older, with considerations for extended intervals for primary series doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. March 18, 2022

ACIP recommended two additional groups for the use of the Ebola vaccine. February 22, 2022

CDC released the 2022 recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as for adults, on its website. February 18, 2022

FDA approved COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax (Moderna) for individuals 18 and older. (The EUA remained in effect for the third primary series dose and booster dose.) January 31, 2022

CDC published ACIP updated recommendations for adults to use PCV15 and PCV20 pneumococcal vaccines. January 28, 2022

CDC published ACIP recommendations for using recombinant zoster (shingles) vaccine in immunocompromised adults. January 21, 2022

CDC published ACIP updated interim recommendations for using the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. January 21, 2022

FDA shortened the interval to a booster dose of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to five months. January 7, 2022

CDC endorsed ACIPʼs recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12–15 years old. CDC recommends that all adolescents 12–17 years old should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series. January 5, 2022

CDC recommended Pfizer-BioNTech booster five months after completing the primary series. CDC recommends moderately or severely immunocompromised children 5–11 years old receive an additional primary dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 28 days after their second shot. January 4, 2022

FDA amended EUA Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine (COVID-19); expanded use of a single booster dose to include 12–15-year-olds, shortened time to booster dose to at least five months, and allowed for third primary dose for certain immunocompromised children 5–11 years old. January 3, 2022

2021

CDC published ACIP recommendations for using the dengue vaccine. December 17, 2021

FDA revised Janssen fact sheets to include contraindications and risks of TTS (thrombosis and thrombocytopenia syndrome). December 14, 2021

FDA and CDC expanded Pfizer-BioNTech booster recommendations to 16–17-year-olds. December 9, 2021

FDA approved PreHevbrio (VBI Vaccines) for adults 18 and older. November 30, 2021

CDC recommended that all 18-year-olds and older get a COVID-19 booster. November 29, 2021

FDA amended EUAs for COVID-19 mRNA vaccines for using booster doses for 18-year-olds and older. November 19, 2021

CDC published ACIP interim recommendations for using Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children 5–11 years old. November 5, 2021

FDA authorized EUA for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5–11 years old. October 29, 2021

CDC published ACIP recommendations for COVID-19 additional primary and booster doses. October 29, 2021

FDA amended EUAs of all COVID-19 vaccines, allowing for booster doses, and mix-and-match doses in eligible individuals. October 20, 2021

FDA approved expanded age indication for Flucelvax Quad (Seqirus), licensed for 6-month-olds and older. October 14, 2021

FDA authorized booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 65-year-olds and older, 18–64-year-olds at high risk of severe COVID-19, and 18–64-year-olds who have institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2. September 22, 2021

CDC released ACIP recommendations on using influenza vaccines for the 2021–22 influenza season. August 27, 2021

FDA approved the first COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech) for individuals 16 and older. (The EUA remains in effect for individuals 12 and older and for the third dose for immunocompromised individuals 12 and older). August 23, 2021

FDA approved Ticovac (Pfizer), a vaccine to prevent tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine in individuals 1 year old and older. August 13, 2021

FDA amended the emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to allow the use of an additional dose in certain immunocompromised individuals. August 12, 2021

FDA expanded the indication of the Shingrix vaccine to include adults 18 and older who are or will be at increased risk of zoster (shingles) due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy. July 23, 2021

FDA approved Vaxneuvance (Merck & Co.) pneumococcal 15-valent conjugate vaccine for adults 18 and older. July 16, 2021

FDA revised fact sheets for Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (Johnson & Johnson), adding Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) warning and revising thrombocytopenia warning. July 8, 2021

Update from ACIP: Use of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine after reports of myocarditis among vaccine recipients. July 6, 2021

FDA revised EUA mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) patient and provider fact sheets regarding the suggested increased risks of myocarditis and pericarditis following vaccination. June 25, 2021

FDA approved Prevnar 20 (Pfizer) pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine for adults 18 and older. June 9, 2021

ACIP interim recommendations for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in adolescents 12–15 years old. May 14, 2021

FDA expanded the EUA of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to include adolescents 12–15 years old. May 10, 2021

Updated recommendation from ACIP for the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine after reports of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) among vaccine recipients. April 27, 2021

CDC and FDA lifted the recommended pause of use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine in the United States after a review by ACIP. The use of the Janssen vaccine should resume. EUA fact sheets for Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine revised. April 23, 2021

CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine in the United States out of an abundance of caution. A CDC Health Alert Network (HAN) was issued with recommendations. April 13, 2021

CDC published ACIP interim recommendations for the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. March 2, 2021

FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. February 27, 2021

CDC released the 2021 recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as for adults, on its website. February 12, 2021

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the Ebola vaccine. January 8, 2021

2020

CDC published ACIP interim recommendations for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. December 20, 2020

FDA issues emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. December 18, 2020

CDC published ACIP interim recommendations for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. December 13, 2020

FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. December 11, 2020

CDC published ACIP recommendations for meningococcal vaccines. September 25, 2020

CDC released ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccines for the 2020–21 influenza season. August 21, 2020

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations for hepatitis A vaccines. July 3, 2020

FDA expanded the license for Gardasil 9 to include preventing oropharyngeal and other head-and-neck cancers caused by relevant HPV types. June 24, 2020

FDA approved MenQuadfi (MenACWY) conjugate vaccine for the prevention of invasive meningococcal disease caused by serogroups A, C, W, and Y in individuals aged 2 and older. April 23, 2020

Declaration of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. March 13, 2020

FDA approved the Fluad Quadrivalent (influenza vaccine, adjuvanted; Seqirus) for adults 65 and older. February 21, 2020

CDC released the 2020 recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as for adults, on its website. February 3, 2020

CDC (January 30, 2020) and WHO (February 1, 2020) declared public health emergencies regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus. February 1, 2020

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations for Td and Tdap vaccines. January 24, 2020

2019

FDA approved Ervebo (Ebola Zaire vaccine, live; Merck), the first U.S.-licensed vaccine for the prevention of Ebola virus disease. December 19, 2019

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the BioThrax (Emergent BioSolutions) anthrax vaccine, adsorbed. December 13, 2019

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations for PCV13 and PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccines for adults 65 and older. November 22, 2019

FDA approved the Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent (Sanofi Pasteur) for adults 65 and older—which will be available for the 2020-21 influenza season. November 4, 2019

CDC released ACIP recommendations for influenza vaccines for the 2019–20 influenza season. August 28, 2019

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations for HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines in adults. August 16, 2019

AAFP, AAP, ACHA, ACOG, APhA, SAHM, and IAC released a ”Dear Colleague” letter stressing the importance of 16-year-old immunization visits. August 1, 2019

CDC published ACIP recommendations for Japanese encephalitis vaccines. July 19, 2019

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the hepatitis A vaccine in persons experiencing homelessness. February 15, 2019

CDC released the 2019 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents, as well as for adults, on its website. February 5, 2019

FDA approved using the 0.5 mL dose of Sanofiʼs Fluzone Quadrivalent influenza vaccine to include children 6-35 months old. January 23, 2019

FDA approved the expanded use of Sanofiʼs Adacel Tdap vaccine for a second dose in people 10-64 years old. January 14, 2019

2018

FDA approved Vaxelis (MCM Vaccine Co), a new combination DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. December 21, 2018

ACIP published updated recommendations for the hepatitis A vaccine for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis for international travel. November 7, 2018

The American Dental Association adopted a policy to support the use and administration of the HPV vaccine for the prevention of oral HPV infection. October 25, 2018

FDA approved expanded age indication for the Seqirus Afluria influenza vaccine to include children 6 months through 59 months old. October 8, 2018

FDA announced the approval of the expanded use of the Merck Gardasil 9 (HPV9, HPV) vaccine to include adults 27-45 years old. October 5, 2018

CDC published ACIPʼs 2018–19 influenza vaccination recommendations. August 24, 2018

CDC published ACIPʼs recommendations for using quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) in the 2018–19 influenza season. June 8, 2018

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a committee opinion on maternal immunization. June 2018

CDC released information about a new rapid rabies test that could save lives and lead to fewer unnecessary rabies shots. May 16, 2018

CDC published a comprehensive summary of previously published ACIP recommendations for the prevention of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in the United States. April 27, 2018

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the hepatitis B vaccine with a novel adjuvant (Heplisav-B). April 20, 2018

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a committee opinion on influenza vaccination in pregnancy. April 2018

CDC published the 2018 U.S. recommended immunization schedule for 0-to-18-year-olds. February 6, 2018

CDC published the 2018 U.S. recommended adult immunization schedule. February 6, 2018

CDC published ACIP recommendations for herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines. January 26, 2018

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations for the prevention of hepatitis B virus infection. January 12, 2018

CDC published ACIP recommendations for a third dose of MMR during a mumps outbreak. January 12, 2018

FDA approved expanded pediatric age indication for the Fluarix Quadrivalent influenza vaccine. January 11, 2018

2017

FDA licensed Heplisav-B, the new hepatitis B vaccine from Dynavax, for adults 18 and older. November 9, 2017

FDA licensed Shingrix, the new zoster (shingles) vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline, for adults 50 and older. October 20, 2017

CDC published updated dosing instructions for hepatitis A prophylaxis with immune globulin. September 15, 2017

FDA expanded the licensure of the Afluria quadrivalent (Seqirus) influenza vaccine to include individuals aged 5 and older. August 31, 2017

CDC published ACIP 2017-18 influenza vaccination recommendations. August 25, 2017

AAP issued a policy stating that newborns should routinely receive the hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth. August 2017

CDC published a vaccine information statement (VIS) for cholera. July 6, 2017

CDC and FDA announced a new Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) website and reporting form. June 30, 2017

CDC published ACIPʼs updated recommendations for the Trumenba meningococcal serogroup B vaccine. May 19, 2017

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the cholera vaccine. May 12, 2017

CDC published ACIP recommendations titled “General Best Practice Guidelines for Immunization” to replace the 2011 “General Recommendations on Immunization.” April 20, 2017

CDC published the 2017 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for 0 to 18-year-olds; including the new “16-year-old vaccination” column. February 7, 2017

CDC published the 2017 U.S. recommended adult immunization schedule. February 7, 2017

2016

CDC published ACIPʼs recommendations on the 2-dose HPV vaccine series for younger adolescents. December 16, 2016

FDA approved extending the age range for the FluLaval Quadrivalent influenza vaccine to include children 6–35 months old. November 18, 2016

CDC published ACIP recommendations for meningococcal conjugate vaccines in HIV-infected persons. November 4, 2016

PAHO and WHO announced measles elimination in the Americas. September 27, 2016

CDC published 2016-17 influenza vaccination recommendations. August 26, 2016

AAP released a new policy statement urging states to eliminate all non-medical exemptions to vaccine requirements. August 2016

FDA extended the age indication for the PCV13 (Prevnar 13) pneumococcal vaccine to include adults 18-49 years old. July 11, 2016

ACIP voted that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be used during the 2016-17 flu season. June 22, 2016

FDA approved revisions in the package insert for YF-Vax (yellow fever) to reflect changes to International Health Regulations and WHO/ACIP recommendations. June 15, 2016

FDA approved Vaxchora for the prevention of cholera. June 10, 2016

FDA approved changes to the vaccine administration schedule for the Trumenba (meningococcal) vaccine. April 14, 2016

The National Vaccine Program Office releases a National Adult Immunization Plan. February 5, 2016

2016 U.S. recommended immunization schedules for 0-to-18-year-olds and “catch up” published in MMWR. February 5, 2016

FDA approved Hiberix for the full Hib vaccine series. January 14, 2016

2015

FDA expanded Gardasil 9 (HPV) licensure to include males 16-26 years old. December 14, 2015

FDA approved a new injectable influenza vaccine, Fluad, for people 65 and older. November 24, 2015

ACIP published recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal vaccines in adolescents and young adults. October 23, 2015

CDC published updated ACIP recommendations regarding the intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccines for immunocompetent adults 65 and older. September 4, 2015

WHO published “Recommendations on Vaccine Hesitancy” in a special issue of the journal Vaccine. August 14, 2015

ACIP published recommendations for yellow fever booster doses. June 19, 2015

ACIP published recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal vaccines in people 10 and older at increased risk for serogroup B meningococcal disease. June 12, 2015

American Medical Association adopted a new policy supporting ending non-medical vaccine exemptions, including those for healthcare professionals. June 8, 2015

The Pan American Health Organization declared rubella eliminated in the Americas. April 29, 2015

CDC published ACIP recommendations for a 9-valent HPV vaccine. March 27, 2015

CDC published new ACIP recommendations for typhoid vaccination. March 27, 2015

FDA approved Quadracel, a new combination DTaP+IPV vaccine for children 4-6 years old. March 24, 2015

CDCʼs Health Alert Network issued a health advisory about a multi-state outbreak of measles linked to Disneyland. January 23, 2015

FDA approved Bexsero, the second vaccine licensed in the United States to prevent serogroup B meningococcal disease. January 23, 2015

2014

FDA approved Rapivab to treat influenza infection. December 19, 2014

FDA approved quadrivalent formulation of Fluzone Intradermal inactivated influenza vaccine. December 11, 2014

FDA approved the Gardasil 9 (Merck) 9-valent HPV vaccine in the United States. December 10, 2014

FDA approved Trumenba in the United States to prevent serogroup B meningococcal disease. October 29, 2014

CDC published ACIP recommendations for PCV13 and PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccines in adults 65 and older. September 19, 2014

CDC published ACIPʼs recommendations for the MenACWY-CRM vaccine in children 2–23 months old at increased risk for meningococcal disease. June 20, 2014

WHO director-general declared the 2014 international spread of wild poliovirus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. May 5, 2014

CDC report showed a 20-year U.S. immunization program spares millions of children from diseases. April 25, 2014

FDA lowered the age of licensure for Adacel (Tdap) vaccine administration from age 11 to 10 years old. March 24, 2014

CDC published ACIP recommendations for the prevention and control of Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease. February 28, 2014

2013

CDC published guidance for hepatitis B virus protection and postexposure management of healthcare personnel. December 20, 2013

CDC published new recommendations for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine in children. November 15, 2013

The National Vaccine Advisory Committee released the revised ”Standards for Adult Immunization Practice.” September 10, 2013

FDA extended the FluLaval IIV (GlaxoSmithKline) age range to include children and teens 3–17 years old; licenses quadrivalent FluLaval influenza vaccine product. August 16, 2013

FDA expanded the age indication for the Menveo (Novartis) meningococcal vaccine to include infants and toddlers 2–23 months old. August 1, 2013

CDC issued updated recommendations for VariZIG immune globulin for varicella (chicken pox) postexposure prophylaxis. July 19, 2013

CDC issued recommendations for PCV and PPSV pneumococcal vaccination of children with immunocompromising conditions. June 28, 2013

ACIP voted to recommend the FluBlok influenza vaccine for people 18–49 years old with an egg allergy. June 20, 2013

CDC published recommendations for preventing measles, rubella, congenital rubella syndrome, and mumps. June 14, 2013

FDA approved Fluzone (Sanofi Pasteur) as the third quadrivalent influenza vaccine licensed for U.S. use. June 7, 2013

A booster dose of the yellow fever vaccine is not needed, according to WHO. A single dose of the vaccine provides long-term protection from yellow fever. May 17, 2013

ACIP recommended a dose of the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy. February 22, 2013

UNICEF and WHO condemned attacks on polio vaccination workers in Nigeria. February 8, 2013

FDA approved the Prevnar 13 pneumococcal vaccine in older children and teens 6-17 years old. January 25, 2013

2012

The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) launched a new Vaccine Error Reporting Program. December 18, 2012

FDA approved quadrivalent formulation of the Fluarix (GlaxoSmithKline) inactivated influenza vaccine. December 12, 2012

FDA approved the first seasonal influenza vaccine manufactured using cell culture technology (Flucelvax, Novartis). November 20, 2012

ACIP voted to recommend HibMenCY (Menhibrix, GlaxoSmithKline), a new combination (meningococcal and Hib) vaccine, in infants at increased risk for meningococcal disease. October 24, 2012

ACIP voted to recommend that pregnant women receive a dose of Tdap during each pregnancy irrespective of the patient’s prior Tdap history. October 24, 2012

FDA approved HibMenCY (Menhibrix, GlaxoSmithKline), a new combination (meningococcal and Hib) vaccine for infants. June 24, 2012

FDA expanded licensure of PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) to include adults 50 and older. June 7, 2012

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report titled “Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program: Vulnerabilities in Vaccine Management.” June 5, 2012

The United Nations Foundation launched the Shot@Life campaign. April 1, 2012

2011

FDA expanded the use of the Prevnar 13 (PCV13, Pfizer) pneumococcal vaccine to include people 50 and older. December 30, 2011

ACIP recommended all 11-to-12-year-old males get vaccinated against HPV. October 25, 2011

Addition of history of intussusception as a contraindication for rotavirus vaccination. October 21, 2011

A national survey indicated HPV vaccine rates trail other teen vaccines. August 25, 2011

The Institute of Medicine issued a report titled “Review of Adverse Effects of Vaccines.” Overall, the committee concludes that few health problems are caused by or clearly associated with vaccines. August 25, 2011

FDA approved Boostrix (Tdap, GlaxoSmithKline) to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis in older people. July 8, 2011

CDC hailed vaccinations as one of 10 public health achievements of the first decade of the 21st century in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). May 19, 2011

FDA approved the first vaccine (Menactra, meningococcal conjugate vaccine, Sanofi Pasteur) to prevent meningococcal disease in infants and toddlers. April 22, 2011

HHS released the U.S. National Vaccine Plan, which covers activities, goals, and priorities for 2010-15. February 15, 2011

2010

FDA approved the Gardasil HPV vaccine to include the indication for the prevention of anal cancer. December 22, 2010

WHO declared an end to the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic. August 11, 2010

The first smallpox vaccine for certain immune-compromised populations was delivered under Project BioShield. July 10, 2010

ACIP recommended a reduced (4-dose) vaccine schedule for PEP to prevent human rabies. March 19, 2010

FDA approved licensure of the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which offers broader protections against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. February 24, 2010

FDA approved licensure of Menveo (Novartis), a meningococcal conjugate vaccine for people 11-55 years old. February 19, 2010

WHO hailed the new Gates Foundation support ($10 billion) as the “Decade of Vaccines.” January 29, 2010

ACIP recommended universal influenza vaccination for those 6 months and older. February 24, 2010

FDA approved the pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 13), which offers broader protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae. February 24, 2010

2009

FDA approved the high-dose inactivated influenza vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) for people 65 and older. December 23, 2009

CDC issued Health Advisory 2009 H1N1 Pandemic Update: Pneumococcal vaccination recommended to help prevent secondary infections. November 16, 2009

Merck announced that the company will not resume production of monovalent measles, mumps, and rubella vaccines. October 21, 2009

FDA approved the new HPV vaccine (Cervarix, GlaxoSmithKline) for the prevention of cervical cancer. October 16, 2009

FDA approved a new indication for Gardasil to prevent genital warts in men and boys. October 16, 2009

FDA approved four vaccines against the 2009 H1N1 Influenza virus. September 15, 2009

WHO and ACIP issued recommendations for H1N1 influenza vaccines. July 1, 2009

HHS announced an advanced development contract for a new way to make influenza vaccine. June 23, 2009

Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of WHO, declared the world was now at the start of the 2009 influenza pandemic. June 11, 2009

HHS directed $1 billion toward the development of a vaccine for novel influenza A (H1N1). May 22, 2009

ACIP voted to recommend hepatitis A vaccination for close contact with international adoptees from countries with high and intermediate endemicity. March 16, 2009

Vaccine Court ruled that the MMR vaccine, when administered with thimerosal-containing vaccines, does not cause autism. February 12, 2009

HHS awarded a $487 million contract to Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics to build a facility to manufacture cell-based influenza vaccine. January 15, 2009

2008

FDA approved changes in the schedule for administering the BioThrax (Emergent BioSolutions) anthrax vaccine and its route of administration. December 11, 2008

FDA approved an expanded indication for the Boostrix Tdap vaccine in people 10-64 years old. December 4, 2008

The National Quality Forum included the hepatitis B birth dose among its consensus standards for improving health care for mothers and newborns. October 27, 2008

FDA approved a new DTaP-IPV vaccine (Kinrix) for children 4-6 years old. June 24, 2008

FDA approved Pentacel (Sanofi Pasteur), a new combination DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine for children 6 weeks to 4 years old. June 20, 2008

FDA approved Sanofi Pasteurʼs Tenivac tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed for adults 60 and older. In the original licensure, the age indication was for persons 7-59 years old. June 5, 2008

FDA approved a new rotavirus vaccine (Rotarix) in the United States. Rotarix was a liquid given in a two-dose series to infants at 6–24 weeks old. April 3, 2008

CDC issued a Health Advisory in response to widespread measles outbreaks in the United States. April 2, 2008

CDC updated its recommendations for administering a combination MMRV vaccine. March 14, 2008

CDC announced it has begun distributing the new-generation smallpox vaccine, ACAM2000 (Acambis, Cambridge, MA), to civilian laboratory personnel, the military, and state public health preparedness programs. February 29, 2008

ACIP voted to expand influenza recommendations to include vaccination for children 6 months to 18 years old. February 27, 2008

2007

CDC published an updated recommendation for meningococcal vaccination for at-risk children 2-10 years old in MMWR. December 7, 2007

ACIP voted to recommend using FluMist, the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV; nasal-spray formulation), to include children 2-5 years old. October 26, 2007

CDC published updated recommendations for the prevention of hepatitis A virus infection after exposure and before international travel in MMWR. October 19, 2007

FDA approved the use of Menactra, a bacterial meningitis vaccine, in children 2-10 years old. October 18, 2007

FDA approved Afluria, a new inactivated influenza vaccine for people 18 and older. September 28, 2007

FDA approved the FluMist nasal-spray influenza vaccine in children 2-5 years old. September 19, 2007

CDC notified MMWR readers of revised recommendations to vaccinate all persons 11-18 years old with MCV4 (meningococcal conjugate vaccines, quadrivalent) at the earliest opportunity. August 10, 2007

MMWR notified readers that revised International Health Regulations are now in effect for the United States. July 20, 2007

HHS announced a plan to provide $175 million to assist states in pandemic influenza preparedness efforts. July 17, 2007

ACIP voted to recommend routine use of meningococcal conjugate vaccine in adolescents 11-18 years old. June 27-28, 2007

HHS awarded $132.5 million to Sanofi Pasteur and MedImmune over five years to retrofit existing domestic vaccine manufacturing facilities on a cost-sharing basis and to provide warm-base operations for manufacturing pandemic influenza vaccines. June 15, 2007

FDA approved an accelerated dosing schedule for Twinrix (hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine). The schedule consists of three doses given within three weeks followed by a booster dose at 12 months old (0, 7, 21-30 days, 12 months). March 28, 2007

FDA approved the first U.S. vaccine for humans against the avian influenza virus H5N1. April 17, 2007

FDA licensed the refrigerator formulation of FluMist influenza vaccine. January 7, 2007

2006

ACIP recommended a second dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine for children. June 29, 2006

FDA licensed the first vaccine developed to prevent cervical cancer (Gardasil by Merck & Co.), precancerous genital lesions, and genital warts due to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18. June 8, 2006

FDA licensed a new vaccine to reduce the risk of shingles (herpes zoster) in the elderly. The vaccine (Zostavax by Merck & Co.) was approved for people 60 and older. May 25, 2006

VariZIG, a new immune globulin product for postexposure prophylaxis of varicella (chickenpox), was available under an Investigational New Drug Application Expanded Access Protocol. February 24, 2006

The rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, pentavalent (RotaTeq by Merck) was licensed for infants 6–32 weeks old. February 3, 2006

2005

A final order on the anthrax vaccine was issued by the FDA, stating that the licensed anthrax vaccine is safe and effective for the prevention of anthrax disease, regardless of the route of exposure. December 19, 2005

FDA approved lowering the age limit to 12 months old for the remaining U.S.-licensed hepatitis A vaccines in the United States (Havrix by GlaxoSmithKline). October 18, 2005

A new Federal Medicare rule became effective requiring all long-term care facilities to offer annual vaccination for influenza and one-time vaccination for pneumococcal disease to all residents as a condition of participation in Medicare. October 7, 2005

A vaccine that combined the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (chickenpox) antigens (Proquad by Merck) was licensed. The vaccine was indicated for children 12 months to 12 years old. September 6, 2005

An inactivated, injectable influenza vaccine (Fluarix by GlaxoSmithKline) was licensed. The vaccine was indicated for adults 18 and older. August 31, 2005

FDA approved lowering the age limit to 12 months old for one of the two licensed hepatitis A vaccines (Vaqta by Merck). August 11, 2005

FDA licensed a second Tdap vaccine (Adacel by Sanofi Pasteur) for persons 11-64 years old. June 10, 2005

An acellular pertussis vaccine combined with the adult formulation of tetanus and diphtheria (Tdap: Boostrix by GSK) was licensed for use as an active booster in persons 10-18 years old. This product became the first licensed acellular pertussis-containing vaccine with an indication for adolescents. May 3, 2005

DHHS awards a contract for $97 million to Sanofi Pasteur to develop cell culture-based influenza vaccines for the United States. April 3, 2005

CDC announced that rubella was no longer endemic in the United States. March 21, 2005

The first meningococcal polysaccharide (Serogroups A, C, Y, and W-135) diphtheria toxoid conjugate vaccine (Menactra by Sanofi Pasteur) was licensed. This marked the first meningococcal vaccine that was immunogenic and indicated for children younger than 2 years old. January 14, 2005

2004

A significant shortage of influenza vaccines occurred in the United States. August-October 2004

History: On August 25, 2004, as a result of routine testing required by the FDA, Chiron Corporation, located in the U.K. and one of two suppliers of inactivated influenza vaccine for the United States, identified bacterial contamination in a limited number of lots (approx 4.5 million doses) of its influenza vaccine. Chiron was expected to produce between 46 million and 48 million doses of vaccine for the United States as part of a total vaccine supply of about 100 million doses. On Oct 4, 2004, authorities in the U.K. suspended the company’s license for 3 months. On Oct 16, 2004, FDA announced that none of the influenza vaccines manufactured by Chiron for the U.S. market was safe for use. U.S. authorities recommended the allocation of vaccines to those at highest risk of complications from influenza.

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institute of Health (NIH), awarded a new license agreement for RotaShield, an oral rotavirus vaccine created by NIAID scientists in the 1980s. The license was awarded to BIOVIRx of Minneapolis, which planned the global commercialization of RotaShield. May 4, 2004

Contracts were awarded to Aventis Pasteur and to Chiron to develop a vaccine against the H5N1 avian influenza virus. May 2004

The eighth and final report of the Immunization Safety Review Committee was issued by the Institute of Medicine. The report concluded that the body of epidemiological evidence favors the rejection of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine (and thimerosal-containing vaccines) and autism. 2004

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed for adult use (Decavac by Aventis Pasteur), preservative-free, were licensed. March 24, 2004

2003

ACIP voted to recommend that children 6–23 months old be vaccinated annually against influenza, with implementation scheduled for the fall of 2004. October 15, 2003

$81 million was awarded by NIAID through four new contracts to support the development of candidate HIV vaccines. The awards are part of NIAID’s HIV Vaccine Design and Development Teams program, a public-private partnership seeking to accelerate HIV vaccine development. The contract recipients are AlphaVAx Human Vaccines (Durham, NC), Epimmune (San Diego, CA), Novavax (Columbia, MD), and Progenics Pharmaceuticals (Tarrytown, NY). 2003

The Project Bioshield Act of 2003 was enacted. It authorized more than $5 billion over 10 years to pay for the development of vaccines, drugs, and other biomedical countermeasures for biological, chemical, nuclear, and radiological weapons. The Act also empowered the Secretary of Health and Human Services to authorize the use of drugs and vaccines not licensed by the FDA in the event of an act of bioterrorism or other public health emergencies. 2003

The first nasally administered influenza vaccine (FluMist by MedImmune) was licensed. This live influenza A and B virus vaccine was indicated for healthy, non-pregnant persons 5-49 years old. June 17, 2003

2002

A vaccine that combines diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, inactivated polio, and hepatitis B antigens (Pediarix by GlaxoSmithKline) was licensed. December 13, 2002

The European Region of the world was certified as polio-free. June 21, 2002

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Daptacel by Aventis Pasteur) were licensed. May 14, 2002

GlaxoSmithKline announced that the company will no longer manufacture or distribute its Lyme disease vaccine, LYMErix, because of insufficient sales. February 25, 2002

President Bush announced a major smallpox vaccination program to protect the nation against the threat of potential biological warfare. The first phase of the program was targeted to 450,000 public health and healthcare personnel, however, the program stalls, with fewer than 40,000 healthcare workers and emergency responders vaccinated. December 13, 2002

2001

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation earmarked $70 million to develop and produce meningococcal vaccines tailored for children and adults living in Africa. 2001

Following the events of September 11, 2001, IOM again called for the creation of a national vaccine authority “to advance the development, production, and procurement of new and improved vaccines of limited commercial potential but of global public health need.” 2001

A combined hepatitis A inactivated and hepatitis B (recombinant) vaccine (Twinrix by SmithKline Beecham) was licensed. May 11, 2001

2000

A 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevnar by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) was licensed for infants at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease. Feb 17, 2000

Measles was declared no longer endemic in the United States following eradication campaigns that began in 1967. 2000

The Western Pacific Region of the world was certified as polio-free. 2000

1999

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tripedia by Connaught) were licensed. Dec 9, 1999

ACIP voted to withdraw its recommendation for the rotavirus vaccine after investigating reports of intussusception (a type of bowel obstruction that occurs when one part of the intestine folds into an immediately adjoining part) in infants within the first two weeks of receipt of the vaccine. Intussusception was found to occur at a rate of approximately one case for every 5,000 children vaccinated. Oct 22, 1999

Wyeth Lederle Vaccines voluntarily withdrew Rotashield (rotavirus) from the market. Oct 16, 1999

A meningococcal group C conjugate vaccine was introduced into the routine schedule in the U.K. for infants, adolescents (15-17 years old), and college entrants. A second phase was planned to begin in January 2000, subject to the availability of the vaccine. Fall 1999

FDA approved a 2-dose schedule of hepatitis B vaccination for adolescents 11-15 years old using Recombivax HB (Merck) with the 10 µg (adult) dose at 0 and 4-6 months later. Sept 1999

ACIP recommended exclusive use of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) for infants and children. June 17, 1999

The Dale and Betty Bumpers Vaccine Research Center (VRC) was established at the National Institutes of Health to facilitate research in vaccine development. The primary focus of VRC research was to be the development of vaccines for AIDS. 1999

1998

ACIP recommended DTaP vaccines for all five doses in the vaccination schedule, because local reactions, fever, and other systemic events are found to occur substantially less often after DTaP administration than after administration of whole-cell DTP. 1998

The Childrenʼs Vaccine Program was established at WHOʼs Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) with a $125 million gift from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The programʼs goal was to provide vaccines to children in the developing world and to accelerate the research and development of new vaccines. The first vaccines purchased were Hib, hepatitis B, rotavirus, and pneumococcal, which are not commonly used in the developing world. Aug 26, 1998

Lyme Disease Vaccine (Recombinant OspA), (LYMErix by SmithKline Beecham) was licensed for persons 15-70 years old. ACIP recommended that decisions on the use of the vaccine be made based on an assessment of individual risk, which includes the extent of both person-tick contact and geographic risk. Just 3+ years later, on February 25, 2002, GlaxoSmithKline announced they would no longer manufacture or distribute LYMErix because of insufficient sales. Dec 21, 1998

Rotavirus vaccine, live, oral, tetravalent (RotaShield by Wyeth) was licensed for infants at 2, 4, and 6 months old. Aug 31, 1998

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (Certiva by North American Vaccine) were licensed for primary and booster immunization of infants and children (except as a fifth dose in children who previously received four doses of DTaP). July 29, 1998

The first vaccine for the prevention of HIV/AIDS (Aidsvax) enters Phase III trial, the first large-scale human trial of an HIV vaccine. The trial involved more than 5,400 volunteers from the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands, the majority of whom were men who have sex with men. Preliminary results from the trial AIDS VAX (VaxGen) vaccine in early 2003 showed the HIV vaccine appeared to show a protective effect among non-Caucasian populations, especially African Americans, although sample sizes are small. However, for the majority of the participants, who are Caucasians, the effect of the vaccine was minimal. 1998

1997

The FDA Modernization Act (FDAMA) was signed into law, amending the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and the Public Health Service Act to modernize the regulation of food, medical products, and cosmetics. FDAMA initiatives include measures to modernize the regulation of biological products. Specifically, changes include eliminating the need for the establishment of license applications, streamlining the approval processes for manufacturing changes, and reducing the need for environmental assessment as part of a product application. Nov 21, 1997

ACIP recommends booster doses of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine after five years for persons at the highest risk of disease. 1997

The rabies vaccine (RabAvert by Chiron Behring) was licensed. Oct 20, 1997

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (Infanrix by SmithKline Beecham) are licensed for the first four doses of the series. Jan 29, 1997

ACIP recommends adopting a sequential series of two doses of IPV followed by two doses of OPV for all infants and children to decrease the rare occurrences of vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP) that were noted following the administration of the live oral poliovirus vaccine. Jan 1997

1996

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Acel-Imune by Lederle) are licensed for use as the first through fifth doses in the series. Dec 30, 1996

A combined Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate and hepatitis B vaccine (Comvax by Merck) was licensed. Oct 2, 1996

A combination DTaP and Hib vaccine (TriHIBit by Aventis Pasteur) was licensed for the fourth dose in the DTaP and Hib series. Sept 27, 1996

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine adsorbed (Tripedia by Aventis Pasteur) were licensed for primary and booster immunization of infants. July 31, 1996

A second inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Vaqta by Merck) was licensed. Mar 29, 1996

The International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) was launched, calling for the speedy development of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine for use worldwide. The initiative created the Scientific Blueprint for AIDS Vaccine Development. Since 1996, IAVI invested nearly $20 million in the research and development of HIV vaccines by companies and research institutes worldwide. IAVI received major financial support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; the World Bank; the Rockefeller, Sloan, and Starr foundations; Becton, Dickinson & Co.; and eight national governments, among other donors. IAVI is a Collaborating Centre of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). 1996

1995

The first inactivated hepatitis A vaccine (Havrix by SmithKline Beecham) was licensed. Feb 22, 1995

Varicella virus vaccine, live (Varivax by Merck), was licensed for the active immunization of persons 12 months and older. Mar 17, 1995

ACIP, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Association of Family Physicians issued the first “harmonized” childhood immunization schedule, combining the recommendations of all three national groups. 1995

1994

Typhoid Vi polysaccharide inactivated injectable polysaccharide vaccine (Typhim Vi by Aventis Pasteur) was licensed. Nov 28, 1994

The Global Programme for Vaccines and Immunization was created, merging two WHO programs—the Expanded Programme for Immunization and the former Programme for Vaccine Development and adding a new unit for Vaccine Supply and Quality. 1994

The entire Western Hemisphere was certified as polio-free by the International Commission for the Certification of Polio Eradication, WHO. 1994

1993

The Institute of Medicine publishes “The Childrenʼs Vaccine Initiative: Achieving the Vision.” Later, following the events of September 11, 2001, the Institute of Medicine again called for the creation of a national vaccine authority “to advance the development, production, and procurement of new and improved vaccines of limited commercial potential but of global public health need.” 1993

The National Immunization Program (NIP) was created as a separate program reporting directly to the Office of the Director at CDC. NIP was established to provide federal leadership and services to all local and state public health departments involved in immunization activities (e.g., disease surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases, and development of vaccine information management systems). 1993

The costs of the influenza vaccine and its administration become a covered benefit under Medicare Part B. May 1, 1993

Conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccines (ActHIB by Connaught/Mérieux and OmniHib by SmithKline Beecham) are licensed. March 1993

A combined Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and whole-cell DTP vaccine (Tetramune by Lederle/Praxis) was licensed. March 1993

The development of immunization registries was promoted at the national level. A national health goal for 2010 was subsequently established to increase participation in population-based immunization registries to 95 percent. 1993

The Vaccines for Children Program was established after the passage of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993. Federally purchased vaccines under this program are made available to children from birth through 18 years old who meet one of the following requirements: Medicaid-enrolled, without health insurance, and American Indian or Alaskan native. Also, children with health insurance that does not cover the costs of immunization are eligible to receive vaccines at a federally qualified health center or a rural health clinic. All ACIP-recommended vaccines receive funding, which includes new vaccines, new vaccine combinations, and revised recommendations for vaccine use. 1993

1992

Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus vaccine inactivated (JE-Vax by Research Foundation for Microbial Diseases of Osaka University [BIKEN]) was licensed. JE is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. WHO acts as a facilitator for the development of new JE vaccines that are safer, require fewer doses, and are more suitable for public health use, in particular, in disease-endemic developing countries. Dec 10, 1992

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tripedia by Connaught) are licensed for use as the fourth and fifth doses in the series. Sept 20, 1992

1991

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (Acel-Imune by Lederle) are licensed for use as the fourth and fifth doses in the series. Dec 17, 1991

ACIP recommendations for routine hepatitis B vaccination for all infants are published in MMWR. Nov 22, 1991

The last case of indigenous polio in the Western Hemisphere occurred in a 5-year-old boy, Luis Fermin Tenorio, in Pichanaqui, Peru. August 1991

Recommendations of ACIP for routine Hib vaccination for infants beginning at 2 months old are published in MMWR. Jan 11, 1991

1990

An enhanced-potency inactivated poliovirus vaccine (Ipol by Pasteur Mérieux Vaccines et Serums) was licensed. Dec 21, 1990

ACIP recommendations for the use of any of the three licensed Hib conjugate vaccines (ProHIBIT, HibTITER, and PedvaxHIB) for children as young as 15 months old are published in MMWR. April 13, 1990

1989

Conjugated Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine (PedvaxHIB by Merck) was licensed. Dec 20, 1989

A live, oral typhoid vaccine (Ty21a, Vivotif Berna by Swiss Serum Institute) was licensed. Dec 15, 1989

A recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix-B by SmithKline Beecham) was licensed. Aug 28, 1989

Recommendations for routine second doses of measles-containing vaccine were issued by both ACIP and the AAP. During the mid-to-late-1980s, a high proportion of reported measles cases were found in school-aged children (5-19 years old) who had been appropriately vaccinated. These vaccine failures led to national recommendations for a second dose of measles-containing vaccine. 1989

1988

Conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (HibTITER by Wyeth-Lederle) was licensed. Dec 21, 1988

The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) was created within the FDA to regulate biological products, including blood, vaccines, tissue, allergenic, and biological therapeutics. 1988

The World Health Assembly (the ministers of health of all member states of the WHO) passed a resolution to eradicate polio by the year 2000. 1988

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) was established to provide compensation following a vaccine-related adverse event that resulted in injury or death. NVICP was intended to serve as an alternative to civil litigation. The law established a Vaccine Injury Table providing a list of compensable vaccination events and, for each, an associated time requirement. 1988

ACIP recommendations to administer Hib conjugate vaccine in all children at 18 months old are published in MMWR. Jan 22, 1988

1987

Protein-conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (PRP-D, ProHibit by Connaught) was licensed. Dec 22, 1987

1986

The recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (Recombivax HB by Merck) was licensed. Using recombinant DNA technology, Merck scientists developed a hepatitis B surface antigen subunit vaccine. July 23, 1986

Congress created the National Vaccine Program (NVP) to coordinate the vaccine research and development programs of AID (Agency for International Development, now known as USAID), NIH, CDC, the DOD, and the FDA. 1986

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986 was enacted by Congress. The HHS established the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), co-administered by the FDA and CDC, to accept all reports of suspected adverse events in all age groups after administration of any U.S.-licensed vaccine. The Act requires healthcare providers and vaccine manufacturers to report specific adverse events following the administration of measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, diphtheria, or tetanus vaccines, and any combinations thereof to the HHS. 1986

1985

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) polysaccharide vaccines (b-CAPSA 1 by Praxis Biologics, Hib-VAX by Connaught, and Hib-IMUNE by Lederle) were licensed. For children enrolled in childcare, the vaccine was recommended at 15 months and for all children at 24 months old. The vaccine was not consistently immunogenic in children under 18 months old. Apr 12, 1985

1984

The costs of the hepatitis B vaccine and its administration became a covered benefit under Medicare Part B. Sept 1, 1984

1983

Two enhanced pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines were licensed (Pneumovax 23 by Merck on July 11 and Pnu-Imune 23 by Lederle on July 21). These vaccines included 23 purified capsular polysaccharide antigens of Streptococcus pneumoniae and replaced the 14-valent polysaccharide vaccine licensed in 1977. July 1983

1981

The first hepatitis B viral vaccines, developed by Merck and the Pasteur Institute, were licensed. Both had independently developed plasma-based hepatitis B viral vaccines. 1981

Quadrivalent groups A, C, Y, and W-135 (Menomune A/C/Y/W-135 by Connaught) meningococcal vaccine was licensed. Because of the finding that this and other polysaccharide meningococcal vaccines can induce a relatively poor immune response in children younger than 2 years old and unable to elicit long-term immunologic memory, use had to be limited to individuals 2 years old and older. Nov 23, 1981

The costs of the pneumococcal vaccine and its administration became a covered benefit under Medicare Part B. July 1, 1981

1980

The World Health Assembly certified the world free of naturally occurring smallpox. May 8, 1980

Rabies human diploid-cell vaccine (Imovax Rabies by Mérieux and Wyvac by Wyeth) was licensed. 1980

1979

The RA 27/3 (human diploid fibroblast) strain of the rubella vaccine (Meruvax II by Merck) was licensed; all other strains were discontinued. 1979

The last cases of wild type 1 poliovirus occurred in the United States among unvaccinated Amish persons and members of other religious groups who did not accept vaccination. The source of the outbreak was determined to have been brought over to the United States from the Netherlands by members of an unvaccinated religious group. 1979

1978

The yellow fever vaccine (YF-Vax by Connaught) was licensed in the United States. Jan 3, 1978

Monovalent group A (Menomune-A by Connaught), group C (Menomune-C by Connaught) meningococcal vaccines, and a bivalent vaccine for both groups A and C (Menomune-A/C by Connaught) were licensed. Jan 3, 1978

1977

The first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed, containing 14 serotypes (of the 83 known serological groups) that comprised 80% of all bacteremic pneumococcal infections in the United States. Nov 21, 1977

The last case of naturally acquired smallpox occurred in the Merca District of Somalia. Oct 26, 1977

Joseph A. Califano Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare (later Health and Human Services) launched the National Childhood Immunization Initiative intending to achieve 90% vaccination levels among all children. 1977

1976

The age for routine vaccination with the MMR vaccine was changed from 12 months to 15 months old. 1976

1974

The first monovalent (group C) meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (Merck) was licensed. Apr 2, 1974

The Expanded Programme on Immunization was created by WHO in response to poor immunization levels in developing countries (less than 5% of children in 1974). The following vaccines are used by the program: BCG, polio, DTP, measles (often MMR), yellow fever (in endemic countries), and hepatitis B. 1974

1973

The measles and mumps virus vaccine, live (M-M-Vax by Merck) was licensed. July 18, 1973

1972

The Division of Biologics Standards was transferred from NIH to FDA and renamed the Bureau of Biologics. It was responsible for the regulation of all biologics, including serums, vaccines, and blood products. 1972

1971

The combined measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine (MMR by Merck), as well as the combined measles and rubella vaccine (M-R-Vax by Merck), were licensed; the vaccine was developed by Maurice Hilleman and colleagues at Merck. Apr 22, 1971

CDC recommended the discontinuation of routine vaccination for smallpox in the United States following a greatly reduced risk of disease. 1971

1969

Three rubella virus strains were licensed in the United States: HPV-77 strain grown in dog-kidney culture (Rubelogen by Parke-Davis); HPV-77 grown in duck-embryo culture (Meruvax by Merck); and Cendehill strain grown in rabbit-kidney culture (Cendevax by RIT-SKF, and Lirubel and Lirutrin by Dow). 1969

1968

The “Hong Kong” influenza pandemic, caused by an H3N2 influenza virus, resulted in roughly 34,000 deaths in the United States. 1968-69

A second live, further attenuated measles virus vaccine (Attenuvax by Merck, based on the Moraten strain, derived from the Edmonston strain) was licensed. 1968

1967

The Global Smallpox Eradication Program was launched by WHO. During the first year of the program, 44 countries, 31 of which had endemic smallpox, reported 217,218 cases. 1967

Mumps virus vaccine live (MumpsVax by Merck) was licensed. The vaccine was developed by Maurice Hilleman who isolated a wild-type virus from his daughter, Jeryl Lynn, who was recovering from mumps. It became known as the Jeryl Lynn strain of mumps virus. Dec 28, 1967

1966

The World Health Assembly called for global smallpox eradication. 1966

CDC announced the first national measles eradication campaign. Within two years, measles incidence had decreased by more than 90% compared with prevaccine-era levels. 1966

The rubella virus was attenuated by Paul Parkman and Harry Meyer Jr. 1966

1965

Bifurcated needles for the smallpox vaccine were introduced. 1965

Live, further attenuated measles virus vaccine (Lirugen by Pitman Moore-Dow based on the Schwarz strain, derived from the Edmonston strain) was licensed in the United States. The recommended age for routine administration was changed from 9 months to 12 months old. 1965

1964

A rubella epidemic swept the United States resulting in 12.5 million cases of rubella infection, an estimated 20,000 newborns with congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), and excess fetal and neonatal deaths in the thousands. 1964

The Immunization Practices Advisory Committee (ACIP) to the U.S. Public Health Service was formed to review the recommended childhood immunization schedule and note changes in manufacturer vaccine formulations, revise recommendations for the use of licensed vaccines, and make recommendations for newly licensed vaccines. 1964

1963

The trivalent oral polio vaccine was licensed. The vaccine development began in 1957 by Albert Sabin to improve upon the killed Salk vaccine. June 25, 1963

The Federal Immunization Grant Program was established. The grants, authorized under section 317 of the Public Health Service Act, were made to states to provide funds to purchase vaccines and to support the basic functions of an immunization program. The only vaccines available at the time were DTP, polio, and smallpox. 1963

The first live virus measles vaccine (Rubeovax by Merck) was licensed. Other live virus measles vaccines were eventually licensed (M-Vac by Lederle, Pfizer-vax Measles-L by Pfizer, and generic vaccines by Lilly, Parke Davis, and Philips Roxane). Mar 21, 1963

The inactivated measles vaccine (Pfizer-vax Measles-K by Pfizer and a generic vaccine by Lilly) was licensed in the United States. These vaccines were eventually withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1967. 1963

1962

President John F. Kennedy signed the Vaccination Assistance Act into law. It allowed the CDC to support mass immunization campaigns and to initiate maintenance programs. 1962

Oral polio vaccine type 3 was licensed in the United States, as well as the trivalent product. Mar 27, 1962

1961

Oral polio vaccine types 1 and 2, developed by Dr. Albert Sabin and grown in monkey kidney cell culture, were licensed for use in the United States. 1961

1957

The “Asian” influenza pandemic, caused by an H2N2 influenza virus, resulted in an estimated 70,000 deaths in the United States alone. 1957-58

1955

The Polio Vaccination Assistance Act was enacted by Congress, the first federal involvement in immunization activities. It allowed Congress to allocate funds to the Communicable Disease Center (later the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to help states and local communities acquire and administer vaccines. 1955

The Cutter polio vaccine incident began on April 25, 1955, when polio was reported in a vaccine recipient. One day later, five more cases were reported. All cases had received vaccines produced by Cutter Laboratories. Polio was reported in 94 vaccinees and 166 close contacts of vaccinees. On April 27, the Laboratory of Biologics Control requested that Cutter Laboratories recall all vaccines and the company did so immediately. On May 7, the surgeon general recommended that all polio vaccinations be suspended pending inspection of each manufacturing facility and a thorough review of the procedures for testing vaccine safety. The investigation found that the live polio virus had survived in two batches of vaccine produced by Cutter Laboratories. In 1955, as a result of the Cutter Incident, the Laboratory of Biologics Control was raised to division status within NIH, to strengthen and expand its biologics control function. Large-scale polio vaccinations resumed in the fall of 1955. 1955

The first polio vaccine was licensed—an inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) pioneered by Dr. Jonas Salk. Apr 12, 1955

1954

The Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to John Enders, Thomas Weller, and Fredrick Robbins for their discovery of the ability of poliomyelitis viruses to grow in tissue cultures. 1954

John Enders and Thomas Peebles isolated the measles virus in cell culture. 1954

1953

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (adult formulation) were first licensed in the United States after the concentration of diphtheria toxoids was reduced. 1953

The yellow fever vaccine (Merrell National Labs) was first licensed in the United States. May 22, 1953

1952

Heat-phenol inactivated typhoid vaccine by Wyeth was licensed. July 16, 1952

The worst recorded polio epidemic in U.S. history occurred with 57,628 reported cases. 1952

1949

Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis (DTP) were licensed. 1949

The last case of smallpox in the United States was reported; however, it took another two decades before the disease was eradicated globally. 1949

1947

The combination of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids for pediatric use was first licensed in the United States. 1947

1945

The inactivated influenza vaccine was first licensed in the United States. 1945

Karl Habel and John Enders isolated the mumps virus. 1945

1944

The Public Health Services Act of 1944 was enacted, consolidating all legislation affecting the functions of the Public Health Service. 1944

1943

Penicillin first became mass-produced. This medical miracle, rediscovered by Alexander Fleming in 1928, was capable of attacking many types of disease-causing bacteria. It played a vital role in treating infected wounds during World War II. 1943

1942

The influenza A/B vaccine was introduced to the Armed Forces Epidemiological Board. The influenza vaccine was licensed in 1945 and, following the war, was also used for civilians. 1942

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B viruses were first differentiated. 1942

1938

President Franklin D. Roosevelt, a victim of polio, founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, later known as the March of Dimes. 1938

1937

An adsorbed form of tetanus toxoid was first licensed in the United States. 1937

The Division of Biologics Control was formed within the National Institute of Health. Much later, in 1972, the Division was transferred to the FDA. 1937

1935

A live yellow fever vaccine (17D) was first licensed. The development of the chorioallantoic membrane for culturing viruses led to its development. 1935

1930

The Hygienic Laboratory changed its name to the National Institute (singular) of Health and authorized the establishment of fellowships for biological and medical research. 1930

Cell culture was developed and shown to be able to grow virus, thus paving the way for the subsequent production of viral vaccines. 1930

1928

The first iron lung was used to preserve breathing function in patients with acute polio. 1928

1927

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) vaccine was first used in newborns, having been developed by Albert Calmette and Camille Guérin in 1921. BCG (live-attenuated Mycobacterium bovis BCG) represented the only vaccine against tuberculosis. It has become the most widely administered of all vaccines in the WHO Expanded Programme for Immunization, but has been estimated to prevent only 5% of all potentially vaccine-preventable deaths due to tuberculosis. 1927

1923

Diphtheria toxoid was licensed; and prepared from the inactivated bacterial toxin that has lost its toxicity but retains its antitoxin-producing properties. In 1924, Gaston Ramon discovered diphtheria toxoid. Along with the discovery of antitoxins, Ramon uncovered the role of adjuvant substances in immunity. 1923

1918

The “Spanish flu” influenza pandemic was responsible for at least 50 million deaths worldwide, with about 675,000 deaths in the United States. This virus was unusual because it spread so quickly, was so deadly, and exacted its worst toll on the young and healthy. About one-third of the world’s population (~500 million people) were infected. 1918

1915

The pertussis vaccine, a suspension of inactivated Bordetella pertussis cells, was licensed. Inactivated vaccines were prepared with a microorganism or virus that had been killed, usually with a chemical such as formaldehyde. 1915

1914

The typhoid vaccine was first licensed in the United States. 1914

Rabies vaccine was first licensed in the United States. 1914

Tetanus toxoid was introduced following the development of an effective therapeutic serum against tetanus by Emil Von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato. 1914

1908

The first county health departments in the United States were formed. 1908

1906

The Pure Food and Drugs Act was formed, prohibiting interstate commerce in misbranded and adulterated foods, drinks, and drugs. 1906

1902

The Biologics Control Act was formed. It included the regulation of vaccine and antitoxin producers and required both licensing and inspections of manufacturers. The standards imposed by the 1902 Act resulted in bankruptcy for one-third of the companies manufacturing antitoxins and vaccines while benefiting the manufacturers already in compliance. In total, 10 firms held licenses with the Laboratory of Hygiene following the 1902 Act. April 5, 1902

1901

In St. Louis, 13 children died of tetanus-contaminated diphtheria antitoxin. In the autumn of 1901, nine children in Camden, New Jersey, died from the tainted smallpox vaccine. Efforts to ensure the purity of biological treatments by government oversight followed the Biologics Control Act of 1902. 1901

The first Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine was awarded to Emil von Behring for his work on the development of a diphtheria antitoxin (later known as antiserum). 1901

1897

The plague vaccine was introduced, following the preparation of anti-plague horse serum at the Pasteur Institute by Alexandre Yersin. After demonstrating protection from disease in immunized animals, Yersin went to China with the vaccine to protect humans during a plague epidemic. 1897

1896

Cholera and typhoid vaccines were first developed. 1896

1893

City and state public health departments began mass production of diphtheria antitoxin, following its introduction in European laboratories. 1893

1888

The Pasteur Institute was established as a rabies treatment center as well as an infectious diseases research and training institute. 1888

The diphtheria toxin was discovered by Emile Roux. Passive serum therapies were developed through the scientific contributions of many, including Emil Von Behring who developed the first effective therapeutic serum against diphtheria, and Paul Ehrlich who developed enrichment and standardization protocol, which allowed for an exact determination of the quality of the diphtheria antitoxins. 1888

1887

Joseph Kinyoun established one of the country’s first bacteriological laboratories in the Marine Health Service Hospital on Staten Island, NY. He was director of the Laboratory of Hygiene, which moved to Washington, D.C., in 1891. Kinyoun brought the latest techniques such as the procedure for preparing diphtheria antitoxin back from his visits to Europe. 1887

1885

Louis Pasteur first used rabies vaccine in humans. 1885

1884

The first live attenuated viral vaccine (rabies) was developed by Louis Pasteur, using desiccated brain tissue inactivated with formaldehyde. 1884

1882

Robert Koch identified the tubercle bacillus as the cause of tuberculosis, subsequently called Koch’s bacillus. 1882

1881

Louis Pasteur and George Miller Sternberg almost simultaneously isolated and grew the pneumococcus organism. 1881

1879

Louis Pasteur created the first live attenuated bacterial vaccine (chicken cholera). 1879

1877

Louis Pasteur proposed the germ theory of disease. 1877

1798

Edward Jenner published his work on the development of a vaccination that would protect against smallpox. Two years earlier, in 1796, he had first speculated that protection from smallpox disease could be obtained through inoculation with a related virus, vaccinia or cowpox. He tested his theory by inoculating 8-year-old James Phipps with cowpox pustule liquid recovered from the hand of a milkmaid, Sarah Nelmes. 1798

The Marine Health Service was established in 1798 as the nation’s first public health agency. It provided hospital care for merchant seamen and protected port cities against diseases such as smallpox, cholera, and yellow fever. 1798

1721

Variolation was introduced to Great Britain. 1721

1100s

The variolation technique was developed, involving the inoculation of children and adults with dried scab material recovered from smallpox patients. Variations of variolation have been noted in Turkey, Africa, China, and Europe. 1100s

400 BC

Hippocrates described mumps, diphtheria, epidemic jaundice, and other conditions. 400 BC