Chandigarh: The 4th Postgraduate International Vaccinology Course (PGIVAC 2025) began today at the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, with the participation of nearly 70 professionals from across India. The inauguration ceremony featured an esteemed lineup of dignitaries. Dr. Arun K. Aggarwal, Head of the Department, delivered the Welcome Address. *Dr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi, Drug Controller General of India,* delivered the Distinguished Address emphasising the importance of innovation, regulation, and India’s leadership in vaccine research; Dr Bhupinder Tripathi Director, Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Delivery, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered a Special Address on importance of Advancing Vaccinology for a Healthier Tomorrow: Leadership, Equity, and Innovation in Public Health and Dr Rupinder Bakshi a representative from the Punjab Medical Council spoke on credit hours.
The Keynote Address was delivered by *Chief Guest Dr. Vinod Kumar Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India*, who highlighted the critical role of immunisation in India’s public health strategy. *Dr. Madhu Gupta, Course Director,* delivered the Vote of Thanks, marking a successful start to the academic event. The first module of the course focused on the Introduction and History of Vaccine Development, with Dr. Rajesh Kumar, former Dean and HOD, and Dr. Madhu Gupta, jointly presenting an insightful session on the historical evolution of vaccines. This was chaired by Dr. Jayaprakash Muliyil, renowned epidemiologist and former Principal of CMC Vellore. A case study on Smallpox eradication was followed by a session on the National Vaccine Policy in India, delivered by Dr. Nirmal K. Ganguly, Former Director General of ICMR. Dr. Jayaprakash Muliyil also presented on the impact of vaccination on disease epidemiology and strategies to control vaccine-preventable diseases. The post-lunch session opened with Dr. Ananda Bandyopadhyay from the Gates Foundation presenting on the role of vaccines in solving public health challenges, particularly lessons from polio eradication. This was followed by sessions on Measles and Rubella control by Dr. Shivani Gupta of WHO, and managing outbreaks with vaccines by Dr. Kapil Goel of PGIMER. Dr. Prasad Kulkarni of the Serum Institute of India spoke on the pivotal role of the vaccine industry in development efforts. The day concluded with a Special Legacy Lecture by Dr. Stanley A. Plotkin, Professor Emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania and a global authority in vaccinology, who reflected on the public health importance of vaccines and lessons for the future. The session was chaired by Dr. Ananda Bandyopadhyay. Dr. Madhu Gupta wrapped up the day with a summary and session feedback. PGIVAC 2025 continues through the week with high-level sessions from national and international experts, aiming to strengthen India’s capacity in vaccine science, research, and public health policy.
