The recommended vaccination programme for children and adolescents includes vaccines against twelve different diseases: rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, measles, mumps, rubella and human papilloma virus (HPV), which can cause cervical cancer and other cancers cause by HPV. Some children are also offered vaccination against tuberculosis. All these diseases can be life-threatening or result in serious complications.
Vaccination usually begins when a child is six weeks old. Since several of the diseases vaccinated against affect the youngest children the hardest, delays should be avoided. Booster doses are given when a child reaches school age.
Saving millions of lives every year. Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defences to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds.
We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives. Immunization currently prevents 2-3 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.
Immunization is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right. It’s also one of the best health investments money can buy. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious-disease outbreaks. They underpin global health security and will be a vital tool in the battle against antimicrobial resistance.