Vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization programme : programme report and future initiatives 2001-2005

Abstract

Vaccine-preventable diseases remain an important cause of avoidable disease morbidity and mortality among children the WHO European Region. Although immunization programmes in Member States have been integral parts of their public health services, the success of these programmes has led to the perception that continued strong support might not be necessary to maintain their strength. The challenges facing immunization programmes in the Region include: 1)‎ access to vulnerable groups of children, who may have very little contact with primary health care services; 2)‎ changes to primary health care services in many countries that can affect who delivers vaccines and the reimbursement for this service; 3)‎ availability of underused vaccines against additional diseases, which can further improve the health status of children but for which national policy makers require detailed cost justification; and 4)‎ frequent appearance of messages by groups opposed to vaccination that are effectively communicated through the media and the internet. The Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization programme (‎VPI)‎, of the WHO European Region, has developed a number of important initiatives to support Member States to strengthen their immunization programmes and these are described in this report, as well as the progress that has been achieved to date