We were fortunate to have Dr. Kent Kester, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FASTMH; Vice President and Head, Translational Sciences and Biomarkers, Sanofi Pasteur, Swiftwater, PA as our speaker last Thursday..
Dr.Kester is an Infectious Disease clinician-scientist with a long history of activities in infectious diseases and public health research, development, and response. During his 25-year career in the U.S. Army, he held a variety of research assignments at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research. Some of the major highlights:
Vaccinations save over 3 million lives each year globally including people of all ages.
Most important areas of focus are vaccinations development and clean water.
Influenza causes 250 to 500 thousand deaths each year with over 60 thousand in the United States.
New vaccines are guided by safety and effectiveness. They require thousands of trials for approval which can take 15 - 20 years. Costs of this process are normally in the $500 million to $1 billion range.
Currently there are 76 projects worldwide focused on COVID. Ultimate success will require global cooperation.
Special thanks to Dr. Kester his presentation,discussion and insights.
