Topic in Focus
Publications on the Topic
Members of the Leopoldina and other experts engage in an intensive exchange on the topic of protective vaccinations. The results of this interdisciplinary discussion lead to publications that are available both in print and in digital form.
“Antiviral Drugs: Increasing Preparedness for the Next Pandemic”, Official G7-Statement (2022)
The widespread availability of antiviral drugs that can be used in addition to prophylactic vaccines in the event of a pandemic is a key component of effective pandemic preparedness. Experience with the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the world’s lack of preparedness for emerging pathogens with pandemic potential. Urgent action is therefore needed to develop new antiviral drugs. The G7 Academies call for fostering the discovery and development of specific and broad-spectrum antiviral drugs by providing long-term funding, building adequate infrastructures for efficient clinical studies, and promoting the international coordination in the field of pandemic preparedness. Direct link to PDF
“Antivirals against SARS-CoV-2: current situation and approaches to improved preparation for future pandemics”, 9th Ad-hoc-statement on the coronavirus pandemic (2021)
In its 9th Ad-hoc-statement on the coronavirus pandemic the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina recommends the development of therapies against SARS-CoV-2 and of broad-spectrum antivirals, the strengthening of infrastructures for fundamental and translational research, particular requirements for clinical studies dealing with highly contagious respiratory viruses and an improved monitoring of circulating virus strains. Direct link to PDF
“Challenges in COVID-19 Vaccination”, Virtual Panel Discussion of the Leopoldina in cooperation with the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) (3 February 2021)
Vaccinations are considered a promising way out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although several vaccines are already in use, there are still enormous challenges ahead. For example, because vaccines are not immediately available on a large scale, equitable international allocation must be clarified. Lack of public trust in vaccines is also a problem that needs to be addressed. International experts discussed these issues, as well as the characteristics of the different types of vaccines, on the occasion of an English-language virtual panel discussion. Download video recording (mp4)
“How should access to a COVID-19 vaccine be regulated?”, Position paper published by the Standing Committee on Vaccination, the German Ethics Council and the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2020)
The first COVID-19 vaccines were authorised in late 2020. However, in all likelihood, there will not be sufficient vaccine doses in the beginning for all the people willing to undergo vaccination. This is why prioritisation will be necessary. In the position paper, medical-epidemiological aspects of infection prevention are presented alongside ethical, legal and practical considerations. On this basis, the authors develop a framework for action for the initial prioritisation of vaccination measures against COVID-19. Direct link to PDF (Working translation)
“The Critical Need for international Cooperation during COVID-19 Pandemic”, G-Science statement (2020)
In view of the global spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the National Academies of Sciences of the G7 countries are calling to advance international cooperation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The current situation makes global scientific exchange, international cooperation regarding the development of drugs and vaccines, and the coordinated and evidence-based development of health policy measures more urgent than ever before. Direct link to PDF
“Gemeinsam Schutz aufbauen”, Discussion paper of the German National Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Hamburg (2019)
Schutzimpfungen sind die beste Strategie, um eine Ansteckung mit schwerwiegenden Infektionskrankheiten zu verhindern. Sie haben weltweit zur Eindämmung von übertragbaren Erkrankungen beigetragen. Die meisten Menschen haben ein hohes Vertrauen in die Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit von Schutzimpfungen. Nur ein kleiner Teil der Bevölkerung nimmt aus sehr unterschiedlichen Gründen Impfungen nicht oder nur unvollständig in Anspruch. Die Nationale Akademie der Wissenschaften Leopoldina und die Akademie der Wissenschaften in Hamburg haben im Juni 2019 zu diesem Thema das Diskussionspapier „Gemeinsam Schutz aufbauen“ veröffentlicht. Direct link to PDF (German)
“Improving Global Health. Strategies and Tools to Combat Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases”, Statement of the G20 Science Academies (2017)
Communicable (infectious) and non-communicable (non-infectious) diseases seriously endanger individual wellbeing and global health, and threaten the global economy. Strong short- and long-term evidence-based strategies are needed. The G20 Academies of Sciences call for (1) the strengthening of healthcare and public health systems, (2) applying existing and emerging knowledge, (3) addressing the broader social and environmental determinants of health, (4) reducing serious risk factors for disease through education and promotion of healthy life styles, (5) ensuring access to health resources globally, and (6) enhancing and extending robust strategies for surveillance and information-sharing. Furthering research is a prerequisite for providing knowledge and new tools to meet these challenges. Direct link to PDF
“Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance: Threats and Necessary Actions”, Statement of the G7 Science Academies (2015)
Emerging infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance seriously endanger individual and global health. A comprehensive strategy is needed to tackle health threats from infectious diseases – one that requires a much more visible political and public profile and a cross-sectoral approach, involving health, agriculture, development, economy and other policy areas. Direct link to PDF
“Academies call for consequences from the Ebola virus epidemic”, Statement of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, acatech – the German Academy of Science and Engineering, and the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities (2014)
The Ebola virus is spreading rapidly and to an unexpected extent. The outbreak does not follow the patterns experienced in the past and the virus shows a new disease dynamic in regions, where it has never been recorded before. The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, acatech – the German Academy of Science and Engineering, and the Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities call for the following consequences to be taken: To combat the Ebola epidemic vaccines and antivirals are urgently needed. To meet this need, the further development of experimental vaccines and medicines for clinical application needs to be accelerated. Even if the pathogen should temporarily disappear again, research must continue as a precautionary measure because another outbreak is highly probable. Such precautionary measures must also include ensuring that sufficient quantities of available vaccines and antivirals are stockpiled in case of a new outbreak. Increasing medical and social science research in this area is also vitally important for future preparedness. Direct link to PDF
“Opportunities and Challenges of Vaccination”, Statement of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina (2008)
Vaccinations are among the most efficient and most cost-effective tools to avoid infectious disease. But infectious diseases are still a global health problem. Direct link to PDF (German)
