Vaccines

Vaccines - Maximal Protection

The expression “vaccine” is derived from vacca, the Latin word for cow. A vaccine is a medical preparation given to provide immunity from a disease. Vaccines use a variety of components of pathogens and they effectively stimulate the immune system by promoting the development of antibodies that can attack a disease causing microorganism and preventing illness.

It was known already in the 18th century that people who were in contact with cows became infected with cowpox which results in a disease similar to, but much less severe than smallpox. It appeared that these people were less susceptible if subsequently exposed to smallpox infection. In a trial in 1796, Edward Jenner (1749–1823), a doctor in Berkeley, Gloucestershire, England, inserted pus taken from a cowpox pustule into an incision on a child’s arm. This child although exposed to smallpox infection, never contracted the disease so proving that this first injection had protected the child against smallpox – vaccination was born!

Vaccines are playing an increasingly important role in the prevention of diseases, not only for humans, but also for animals. Especially for farm animals, disease can lead to a serious decrease in productivity or even to death. As veterinary medicine has advanced, vaccination against an increasingly number of diseases has become available, making prevention a key priority.

Novartis Animal Health is dedicated to maintaining, improving and protecting the health and welfare of animals. And it’s why Novartis Animal Health provides effective commercial vaccines that produce results and help to minimize the need for therapeutic treatments. Our research and development team is at the forefront, constantly updating current products and developing new treatments. After all, our products help protect animals and provide the world with a high-quality food supply.