Exploring the availability and content of vaccinology courses across the globe: A scoping review

Abstract

Mapping current vaccinology courses is critical for identifying educational gaps, refining program content, and increasing international cooperation to achieve a competent and well-coordinated global vaccination effort. This scoping review investigates the availability and content of vaccinology courses throughout the world, with a focus on Africa where there is a need for strengthened immunization systems and workforce capacity. Eight vaccinology courses, including short professional training and university certificate programs, were offered in Africa, including Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Ghana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Our findings indicated that the percentages of vaccinology modules significantly vary between Africa and other continents, specifically: introduction to immunology, epidemiology, biology of pathogens, vaccine types, vaccine pharmacology, clinical research methodology, pharmacovigilance and vaccine safety, health economics, immunization programs, vaccine manufacture, the role of international organizations in vaccine development, vaccine advocacy, and vaccine cold chain management. By analyzing and comparing specific characteristics of the courses, our results also found multiple gaps and potential challenges related to target population, course objectives, method of course delivery, course contents, duration of course, training, practical sessions delivery, course costs, and funding constraints.