Mpox (monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus, which belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus. Concern has recently been expressed over the appearance of the human monkeypox virus and its severe clinical presentation that resembles smallpox. Currently, due to the decrescence of immunity among smallpox-vaccinated residents, and the accumulation of unvaccinated cohorts, people are generally susceptible to mpox. A cumulative number of 79411 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and 50 fatalities have been reported to the World Health Organization from 110 countries between 1 January and 13 November 2022. This paper provides an overview of the epidemiology and clinical features of mpox, and control and prevention approaches for mpox to fully understand and prevent human infections.

Rabies is widely prevalent worldwide, and China is among the countries most affected. To achieve the goal of zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030, dog management and immunization must be improved and comprehensive prevention and control measures must be adopted. We analyze the epidemiological profile of rabies in China in the past 30 years to clarify the origins of China’s high prevalence, and propose a comprehensive rabies prevention and control concept based on “One Health” by drawing on successful international control efforts.

Vaccination is effective in preventing the increase of disease, especially emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), and it is particularly important for people in close contact with infected sources and susceptible populations who are at increased risk of getting infectious diseases due to behavior, occupation or health. Despite targeted vaccination guidelines, inadequate vaccination of the key populations fails to receive widespread attention, resulting in a high-risk transition of disease from key populations to general populations. Strengthening the vaccination of the susceptible groups can effectively block the spread of pathogens to general populations, and reduce the consumption of medical resources in universal vaccination, which has significant economic value. In this review, we describe the prevalence of EIDs, analyze the experience and lessons of infectious disease vaccination in key populations through several cases, and further explore the causes for the decline in vaccination rates of key populations. According to the trends of EIDs, a plan to strengthen the vaccination of key populations is proposed to effectively prevent the transition of EIDs from key populations to general populations.

Covaxin and Covishield have been granted approval for emergency medical use in India due to the severity of COVID-19. Both vaccines are safe and effective and have a good immunogenic response. There is no difference between Covaxin and Covishield in terms of dosages and both can be administered as 0.5 mL (containing 6 mg of virus antigen for Covaxin and 5×10¹⁰ virus particles for Covishield) in the upper arm region. Covaxin and Covishield are designed for a two dose schedule, and it is advised that the second dose of Covaxin be administered 4-6 weeks after the first dose while 12-16 weeks after the first dose for Covishield. These vaccines may have several side effects such as swelling and itching at the injection site, joint pain, dizziness, headache, allergic reaction, increased heartbeat, and fever. Appropriate counselling and suggestion should be provided for any symptoms associated with vaccination so that post-vaccinated issues can be managed. Physician and community pharmacists may play a vital role in the management of adverse drug event associated with vaccines.

To prevent and control COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, tested, and approved at an unprecedented rate. As of September 24, 2021, 22 types of COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for conditional marketing or emergency use by at least one country worldwide. Vaccine efficacy/effectiveness is a crucial concern for vaccination. This article provides an overview of efficacy of phase III clinical trials, vaccination, effectiveness of real-world studies as well as challenges of COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, malaria is still one of the main diseases affecting human health, especially in Africa, and inflicts a heavy disease burden and a huge economic burden in endemic countries. At present, the widespread emergence of antimalarial drug resistance and unresolved drug availability issues have led researchers to turn their attention to the development of antimalarial vaccines. This review aims at highlighting the recent development of malaria vaccines and discussing the challenges.