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FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the PGIMER’s International Vaccinology Course about?

    The PGIMER’s International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC) is a capacity building program designed to equip healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with in-depth knowledge of principles of vaccinology. The course covers various aspects of vaccine development, efficacy, safety, regulatory frameworks, implementation strategies and evidence-based decisions regarding policy making at national level, with a special focus on Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). By bringing together leading global experts in the field, PGIVAC aims to enhance capacity building and foster collaboration in vaccine research and policy, ultimately contributing to improved public health outcomes.

  • What is the objective of this course?

    The objective of this course is to build the capacity of participants from diverse backgrounds, including medical, public health, basic sciences, and pharmacology, to:
    • Conduct research related to vaccine development
    • Estimate vaccine efficacy and effectiveness
    • Strengthen existing immunization programs
    • Support policy-level decision-making regarding the introduction of new vaccines
    This course aims to equip participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to vaccine research, development, and public health policy.

  • Where will the course be conducted?

    4 th PGIVAC 2025 will be conducted in Taj Chandigarh No. 9, near Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sector 17A, Chandigarh, 160017
    https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-chandigarh

  • Is this course conducted online or offline?

    This is an offline (in-person) course that will be held at PGIMER, Chandigarh, for five days, mostly from May to July.

  • What are the timings of the course?

    Sessions will run from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily with breaks in between for lunch and tea.

  • How can I reach the venue?

    Taj Chandigarh is well connected by air, rail, and road:
    By Air:
    The nearest airport is Chandigarh International Airport (IXC), approximately 20 km from Taj Chandigarh.
    You can also reach Chandigarh from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), Delhi using the following options:
    By Air (Fastest):
    Direct flights from IGI Airport (Delhi) to Chandigarh International Airport (IXC) take about 50 minutes.
    Airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara operate daily flights.
    Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or use public transport to reach Taj Chandigarh in about 30–40 minutes.
    By Train:
    Chandigarh Railway Station is around 8 km from Taj Chandigarh and has frequent train connectivity from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Amritsar.
    Upon arrival, taxis, app-based cabs (Ola/Uber), and auto-rickshaws are available to reach the hotel within 15–20 minutes.
    By Road:
    National highways well connect Chandigarh to Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh. Interstate buses and private taxis are available.
    From Delhi, it takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours to reach Taj Chandigarh by road via NH44.

  • Who can attend this course?

    This course is designed for public health experts, program managers in the Ministry of Health, researchers, consultants, academicians, and specialists in Community Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacology, Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, Epidemiology, Pediatrics, Immunology, Microbiology, and Nursing Education.

  • How are participants selected for the course?

    The selection process for the course will be based on a thorough review of the submitted CVs. A total of 65 participants will be carefully screened and selected to ensure that only qualified and motivated individuals with relevant experience and publications in vaccinology are chosen. This rigorous selection process aims to create a cohort of professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the field.

  • Can international participants attend the course?

    Yes, international participants are welcome to join. They may need to arrange for travel and visa requirements independently.

  • What topics will be covered in the course?

    The course will cover a wide range of topics related to vaccinology, including:
    • Need for developing new vaccines based on disease burden and severity
    • Basics of immunology relevant to vaccines
    • Vaccine development stages, including preclinical, Phase I, II, III, and IV trials to assess safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness
    • Role of the vaccine industry in vaccine development
    • Rationale for introducing vaccines in the National Immunization Schedule
    • Challenges in vaccine availability and accessibility in public health
    • Vaccine hesitancy and strategies to address it
    • Vaccine advocacy and communication at policy and community levels
    • Economics of vaccines and cost-effectiveness considerations
    • Status of licensed vaccines and those currently in development

  • Who are the faculty members for the course?

    The course features esteemed faculty members from prestigious institutions worldwide, including:
    * International Organizations: World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, International Vaccine Institute (Seoul, Republic of Korea), Global Alliance for Vaccine Initiative (GAVI), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation * Leading Universities: Bristol Medical School (UK), Johns Hopkins University (USA), Yale University (USA)
    * National Experts: Faculty from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), PGIMER and leading medical and research institutions, including vaccine manufacturers.

  • What teaching methods will be used in the course?

    The course includes:
    • Interactive sessions to engage participants
    • Group exercises to enhance practical learning
    • Expert panel discussions to gain insights from top professionals
    These elements, along with the faculty’s expertise, ensure that the course meets high academic and professional standards while providing a dynamic learning experience

  • How can I register for the course?

    Interested applicants should submit their CV by 31st March 2025 through the following Google Form: https://forms.gle/ZHzwmPUXnVxwFfLB.

  • Is there a registration fee?

    Yes, there is a registration fee which you have to pay after getting selected for the course. The fee details are as follows:
    Early Registration Fees by 10th May 2025:
    Indian Participants: INR 15000
    International participants: USD 200
    Late Registration Fees Till 30th May 2025:
    Indian Participants: INR 20000
    International participants: USD 250
    (including course material, participant bag, lunch box & refreshments)

  • How can I submit the registration fee?

    Payment Mode for Indian Participants
    RTGS / Electronic Transfer: UTR No. & Date.
    Demand Draft/Cheque: Number & Date
    Demand Draft in favour of ‘National Vaccinology Workshop’
    Payable Branch: Chandigarh
    Bank A/c name: National Vaccinology Workshop
    A/c No. 35752622904
    IFSC SBIN0001524
    Branch Code: 1524
    (Please add Rs.50 for outstation cheques)
    Kindly send hard copy of DD/Cheque along with registration form to Dr. Madhu Gupta, Professor, Community medicine cum Course Director for 4th PGIVAC, Department of Community Medicine, & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Sector-12, Chandigarh-160012. Soft copy of Bank advice of RTGS along with the registration form to be sent at pgimer.vaccinologycourse@gmail.com
    Payment Mode for International Participants
    RTGS / Electronic Transfer: UTR No. & Date
    A/c No. 35752622904
    BIC / Swift code: SBI NIN BB443
    MICR Code of Bank: 160002007
    Kindly send a soft copy of the Bank advice of RTGS along with the registration form at pgimer.vaccinologycourse@gmail.com

  • Are scholarships available to attend the course?

    No, scholarships are not available for this course at the moment.

  • Are there any CME credits for attending the course?

    Yes, the course is accredited by the Punjab Medical Council, and participants will receive 20 CME credits upon completion.

  • Will participants receive a certificate upon completion?

    Yes, all participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of participation.

  • Will accommodation be provided for outstation participants?

    Participants must arrange their stay independently, but recommendations and guidance will be provided upon request.
    For accommodation and logistics assistance contact: Mr. Narinder Duggal, Administrative Assistant, Department of Community Medicine, & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Contact No.: 09855048343, duggal38@gmail.com

  • What are the best accommodation options near PGIMER?

    There are several accommodation options available near PGIMER, including:
    Budget and Mid-Range Options: Hotel Shivalik View, Hotel Parkview, The Fern Residency, The Piccadilly Chandigarh, Hotel Icon, Hotel Park Inn, Hotel Toy
    Luxury Options: JW Marriott Chandigarh, Taj Chandigarh, Hyatt Centric, Hotel Aroma Complex
    Participants are encouraged to book accommodation in advance.
    For more details kindly visit
    https://chandigarhtourism.gov.in/uploads/hotel_list_for_website.pdf
    https://www.booking.com/