Polio, Measles, Mumps, Smallpox, Zika Virus?

There are many ground-breaking vaccines in the world today. They were all developed due to great necessity during times of devastating and even deadly illnesses spreading across the country and sometimes globe. When a new infectious disease arrives on our radar, developing a vaccine is one of the very first items on the to-do list. It is no different with mosquito-borne and tick-borne diseases. If there is a way to offer added protection, allowing people to enjoy the outdoors without worry, we should pursue it.

Zika Vaccine in Greenville

With the arrival of the Zika Virus on the scene, here in South Carolina, we would rather avoid it becoming a locally transmitted disease. As we watch the devastating effects on newborn babies and their families, we hope to stop this terrible virus in its tracks. It is best to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best in a case like this. To that end, we are pleased to share with you that the first Zika Vaccine has been approved for human trials by the FDA.

Human trials do not mean we could have a Zika Vaccine available for use soon. In fact, when it comes to vaccine development, it can take years to go from the first trials to market. This first human trial has been approved for a private company called Inovio to test their vaccine for human safety. They have tested the vaccine in monkeys for effectiveness and are ready to begin the human phase of testing. Their vaccine has a unique formula but also features a new delivery method that features a pulse of electricity for more efficient delivery to the immune cells.

Many Zika Vaccines in the Works

There are other government sponsored vaccines in the works that should also go to human trials within a few months. Having many trials going should add up to arriving at a working and approved vaccine that much sooner. Until then, lowering your exposure to mosquitoes and mosquito bites is your best form of prevention.

Source: NBC News