EV71 vaccines: a milestone in the history of global vaccine development

Three vaccines against enterovirus 71 (EV71) have completed phase 3 clinical trials with good safety and efficacy results. These vaccines may benefit children living in Asian countries who have been under the threat of severe hand, foot and mouth disease in recent years. These vaccines may also represent the start of a new trend for more vaccines against emerging infections in developing countries. A global system that includes contributions from vaccine producers in developing countries is needed to ensure the safety, quality and access of these new vaccines.