Innovations and challenges in global vaccination for children

Professor Ed Clarke, a leading expert in paediatric infection, immunity, and global health, provides insights from his latest research into the major challenges and innovations in global vaccination for children. Professor Clarke highlights two key issues: ensuring that children in low- and middle-income countries receive existing vaccines, such as measles and rubella, which are often missed due to logistical and societal barriers; and developing new vaccines targeted at pathogens that cause significant disease burdens in these regions, such as group A streptococcus and viral hemorrhagic fevers. Professor Clarke emphasises the importance of new technologies like micro-needle patches (recently published), which offer pain-free, easy-to-administer alternatives to traditional injections and help overcome cold chain and training challenges. He outlines how these innovations can improve vaccine coverage and preparedness for future outbreaks, with a particular focus on his work in The Gambia and other resource-limited settings. This interview took place at the RCPCH conference 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland.