Vaccines are vital to preserving human health by preventing widespread occurrences of infectious diseases. Especially as we become more global, vaccines are gaining increased importance. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases have recognized this importance by funding Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs) across the country for more than 50 years. These VTEUs conduct clinical research to develop new vaccines and therapies for infectious diseases. For the first time since 2007, a new VTEU has been awarded to Duke. Emmanuel (Chip) Walter, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatrics, is the principal investigator of Duke's new VTEU. Walter notes, "If you look at the top public health achievements of the past century, immunization is clearly among them. Here in the United States, nearly every vaccine-preventable disease has markedly declined or in some cases been eliminated." New vaccines and responses to devastating pandemics are needed. Walter will lead this charge by administering Duke's VTEU through the Duke Human Vaccine Institute. Up to $135 million annually over a seven-year period will be awarded