this project will educate readers about the west nile virus (wnv), and the vaccine research approaches currently underway. a narrative review used an instrument to synthesize wnv vaccine research studies, into an easy to understand format. results indicated the instrument had a high magnitude of reliability (r = 0.90, p<0.0001). the size and frequency of future epidemics of the rare occurrence wnv is uncertain. research for a wnv vaccine for humans is a responsible public health initiative. the rationale for preplanning a vaccination program is discussed as a future application of this research. the public expects preventative and therapeutic solutions to infectious diseases, and the project's conclusion indicates that for wnv this can be achieved.