Welcome to PGIVAC
Vaccinology is the science or methodology of vaccine development. Vaccines are life-savers because they prevent diseases and disabilities. The benefit of vaccines in public health is enormous. These are very effective in dealing with pandemic situations like the Covid-19 pandemic and also with rising antimicrobial resistance. However, Vaccine-preventable diseases are still responsible for many preventable deaths in India and low-middle income countries because of the programmatic issues related to access of these vaccines, especially to the vulnerable groups and vaccine hesitancy. The objective of PGIVAC is to build the capacity of the participants from a diverse background, including medical, public health, basic sciences, or pharmacology, to conduct research related to vaccine development, estimating the vaccine efficacy & effectiveness, strengthening the existing immunization programs, and policy-level decision-making regarding the introduction of newer vaccines.
Message from Dr Vinod K. Paul, Member NITI Aayog
Message from the Director, PGIMER Chandigarh
Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, is dedicated to excellence in medical education, research, and patient care. Established in 1962, PGIMER has been at the forefront of providing high-quality healthcare services and training in various medical disciplines. Recognized as an 'Institute of National Importance', we offer a wide array of educational programs, including postgraduate and doctoral degrees, diplomas, and fellowships across more than 50 specialties and super specialties. Our commitment to research is evident in our focus on addressing community health challenges, with significant contributions in areas such as infectious diseases, oncology, and public health. PGIMER also serves as a leading tertiary care hospital in northern India, catering to patients from Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
It is with immense pride that I welcome you to PGIMER’s International Vaccinology Course, organized by the Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh. This esteemed program serves as a crucial platform for strengthening capacity in vaccinology by bringing together leading experts, researchers, and healthcare professionals to enhance their knowledge and expertise in vaccinology, immunization science, policy, and implementation strategies. Vaccination remains one of the most powerful tools in public health, significantly reducing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases. In an era of emerging infectious threats and rapid vaccine advancements, it is imperative that healthcare professionals remain updated with the latest evidence-based practices and innovations in vaccinology and immunization. This International Vaccinology Course is a testament to PGIMER's unwavering dedication to fostering excellence in public health and medical education which is at par with global level. I encourage all participants to actively engage in discussions, exchange insights, and collaborate to strengthen immunization programs at national and global levels. Your collective efforts will play a pivotal role in innovations in vaccinology, enhancing vaccine accessibility, coverage, effectiveness, and reducing inequalities, ultimately contributing to a healthier society.
I extend my best wishes to the organizing team and all attendees for a successful and enriching learning experience.
Dr Vivek Lal
Director, PGIMER, Chandigarh
Message from the Head of the Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh
Dear Colleagues and Esteemed Participants,
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the PGIMER’s International Vaccinology Course, organized by the Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health (DCM & SPH) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. This course stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing public health education and practice at a global level. Established in 1977, our department has undergone remarkable transformation over the decades. Department has remained dedicated to develop feasible healthcare delivery models and addressed current and emerging public health challenges. Our core activities revolve around comprehensive teaching and training programs. We offer a range of academic courses including the MD in Community Medicine, a 3-year program for medical graduates; the Master of Public Health (MPH), a 2-year course open to graduates from various disciplines; and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a 3 to 5-year program for candidates holding degrees such as MBBS, BDS, BVSc, BE, MA, MSc, or MPH. Additionally, we offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Management, specifically designed for sponsored medical officers, and a 4-year Bachelor in Public Health program (including one year internship) for students who have completed 10+2 education. Beyond these structured courses, we are actively engaged in training various categories of healthcare professionals and in educating the public, reinforcing our commitment to capacity building and community engagement. Department faculty has remained actively engaged in various immunization activities at national and state level. Senior faculty has also served as member of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and Special Task Group on Immunization (STGI).
It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you to the PGIMER’s International Vaccinology Course, organized by the Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health (DCM & SPH) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh. This course stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing public health education and practice at a global level. Established in 1977, our department has undergone remarkable transformation over the decades. Department has remained dedicated to develop feasible healthcare delivery models and addressed current and emerging public health challenges. Our core activities revolve around comprehensive teaching and training programs. We offer a range of academic courses including the MD in Community Medicine, a 3-year program for medical graduates; the Master of Public Health (MPH), a 2-year course open to graduates from various disciplines; and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), a 3 to 5-year program for candidates holding degrees such as MBBS, BDS, BVSc, BE, MA, MSc, or MPH. Additionally, we offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Health Management, specifically designed for sponsored medical officers, and a 4-year Bachelor in Public Health program (including one year internship) for students who have completed 10+2 education. Beyond these structured courses, we are actively engaged in training various categories of healthcare professionals and in educating the public, reinforcing our commitment to capacity building and community engagement. Department faculty has remained actively engaged in various immunization activities at national and state level. Senior faculty has also served as member of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and Special Task Group on Immunization (STGI).
The International Vaccinology Course is one of our flagship initiatives, designed to enhance the competencies of healthcare professionals in the domain of vaccinology and immunization. This course offers a comprehensive curriculum encompassing the latest advancements in vaccine development, immunization strategies, and policy implementation. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with leading experts, partake in interactive sessions, and collaborate on strategies to improve vaccination coverage and effectiveness. I encourage all participants to immerse themselves fully in this course, engage in meaningful discussions, and leverage this platform to enhance their knowledge and skills in vaccinology. Together, let us contribute to building a healthier nation through informed public health practices.
Wishing you all a fruitful and enriching learning experience.
Dr Arun Kumar Aggarwal
Professor & Head, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health PGIMER, Chandigarh
Organizing Chairperson, PGIVAC
Message from the Course Director
Vaccination has revolutionized public health by significantly reducing the incidence and mortality of infectious diseases. It remains one of the most cost-effective and evidence-based interventions for disease prevention. The success of immunization programs has led to the near-eradication of life-threatening diseases such as smallpox and polio, while newer vaccines continue to combat emerging threats like COVID-19, malaria, and antimicrobial resistance. Despite these advancements, challenges persist in the form of vaccine hesitancy, supply chain limitations, inequitable distribution, and gaps in immunization coverage, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Ensuring widespread immunization requires a trained workforce adept in vaccinology, epidemiology, immunology, and health policy to drive evidence-based decision-making and program implementation.
The PGIMER International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC) has been meticulously designed to address these gaps by equipping healthcare professionals, researchers, academicians, and policymakers with specialized knowledge in vaccinology. Organized by the Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, this intensive training program provides a comprehensive understanding of vaccine science, covering critical aspects such as vaccine research and development, preclinical and clinical trials, regulatory approvals, immunization strategies, programmatic challenges, and health economics. The course emphasizes both theoretical and practical dimensions, enabling participants to translate knowledge into actionable strategies for strengthening immunization initiatives at local, national, and global levels. With a distinguished faculty of experts, interactive sessions, case-based learning, and hands-on training, PGIVAC fosters a collaborative and engaging learning environment. This course offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their expertise, exchange ideas with global leaders in vaccinology, foster collaborations and networking with vaccinologists and contribute effectively to strengthening vaccine and immunization policies and practices globally. We welcome all participants to this enriching learning experience and look forward to collectively advancing the field of vaccinology for better public health outcomes.
Dr. Madhu Gupta
Professor, Department of Community Medicine & School of Public Health PGIMER, Chandigarh
Course Director, PGIVAC
Partners and Collaborators
