Vaccines are one of the greatest success stories in all of medical history. As the World Health Organization points out, there are now vaccines to protect us from over 20 potentially deadly diseases. Vaccination saves 2-3 million lives each year from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles, to name but a few.

And now as the world comes to grips with a historic pandemic, the anticipation to add COVID-19 to that list of diseases is top of mind for the medical community.

On this episode, we welcome back Chris Bender, Pharm. D. As a pharmacist with Diamond’s Drug Information Center, Chris provides consultation and educational services to correctional facilities and occasional long-term care facilities.

We talk about the history of vaccines, how they’re developed, what they do and don’t do, and their impact on Chris’ everyday practice as a pharmacist. And of course, we also discuss the ongoing development of a COVID-19 vaccine and what the future may or may not hold.