Immunization

Immunization has played a major role in protection against infectious disease, and indeed the development of vaccines has been classed as one of the greatest medical achievements. The introduction of vaccines has been so successful that we are on the verge of seeing the eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases. Moreover, the proportion of disease prevented by the routine childhood immunization schedule is higher than for any other routine public health intervention. To ensure the continued efforts of controlling, eliminating and eradicating infectious diseases, it is necessary to encourage the collaboration of health groups, organizations and the public to maintain adequate vaccine coverage and to persist with the development of effective and safe vaccines.