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Vaccines, antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) represent three cornerstone strategies in modern infectious disease control. However, the development and deployment of these interventions for the same pathogens have raised questions about potential redundancy and resource prioritization. From a public health perspective, they all play distinct, complementary roles: vaccines serve as the first line of defense, preventing infection, reducing transmission, and mitigating disease severity at the population level. Antivirals are deployed after infection to inhibit viral replication, shorten illness duration, reduce complications, and protect high-risk individuals. Monoclonal antibodies offer both prophylactic and therapeutic benefits, particularly for vulnerable populations with inadequate vaccine responses or during outbreak scenarios requiring rapid protection. The concept of self-limiting infections further elucidates why some vaccines, antivirals and mAbs are not universally pursued for all viruses. Rather than being counterproductive, strategic investment in these therapeutic measures constitutes a layered, resilient approach to pandemic preparedness and endemic disease management. This Perspective argues that the evolving milieu of viral threats; including issues of vaccine escape, waning immunity, and variable host response necessitates an integrated strategy leveraging the strengths of both prophylactic and therapeutic measures. In this fight against infectious diseases, strategic synergy, not competition, must guide future public health policies.
Goshen David Miteu (Thu,) studied this question.