Today, 20 vaccines are available for disease prevention. The World Health Organization estimates that number will likely double in about 10 years.

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Scientists are trying to develop new vaccines for protection against a range of diseases, including:

• Cervical cancer
  
  
• Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine for older adults
  
  
• HPV-16 vaccine for human papillomaviruses to prevent cervical cancer
  
  
• The consequences of some sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  
  

Scientists are also looking for new ways to take the vaccine, such as:

• Chewable or edible vaccines
  
  
• Nasal spray vaccines
  
  
• Inhaled vaccines
  
  
• Topical lotion-type vaccines
  
  
• Immunizations in the uterus
  
  
• DNA vaccine

Eventually, pregnant women may receive vaccines to protect their unborn babies against childhood diseases, edible vaccines may stimulate an immune response against bacteria like E. coli, nasal spray vaccines may combat flu and flu-related ear infections, and DNA vaccines might help combat HIV (which causes AIDS), and malaria.

Researchers are trying to find more innovative ways to protect us from disease-causing viruses and bacteria to improve our health.