COMMENTARY - Child Immunization Cards: Essential Yet Underutilized in National Immunization Programmes

Cuba's National Immunization Program.

The National Immunization Program (NIP) begun in 1962 has considerably reduced the infectious disease burden in Cuba over the years, especially among children. The Ministry of Public Health estimates that some 560,000 children would have contracted these diseases, some with fatal outcomes, had it not been for the aggressive vaccination strategy begun 45 years ago and developed since then.

Measles immunization in IRAN

Rubella--should It Be a Priority in the National Immunization Programmes?

Rubella is a mild infection of childhood and young adults with 75% of cases occurring in age group 15-45 years. In unvaccinated populations, rubella usually occurs in spring with epidemics in 6-9 years cycles. Rubella has devastating effects on growing foetus if contracted by women in the first trimester of pregnancy. Perinatal infection of Rubella contributes to 2-3% of all congenital anomalie...

Results from a survey of national immunization programmes on home-based vaccination record practices in 2013

BACKGROUND Data on home-based records (HBRs) practices within national immunization programmes are non-existent, making it difficult to determine whether current efforts of immunization programmes related to basic recording of immunization services are appropriately focused. METHODS During January 2014, WHO and the United Nations Children's Fund sent a one-page questionnaire to 195 countries ...

Routine immunization: an essential but wobbly platform

Despite their vital role, routine immunization programs are taken for granted. Coverage levels are poor in some countries and have stagnated in others, while addition of new vaccines is an additional stressor. We need to strengthen: (1) policy processes, (2) monitoring and evaluation, (3) human resources, (4) regular delivery and supply systems, (5) local political commitment and ownership, (6)...