Routine Immunization

The future of routine immunization in Africa

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)...

Evidence-based options to improve routine immunization.

Routine immunization is a cornerstone of public health, believed to save an estimated 2-3 million lives annually. Therefore, individual nations and international organizations lay considerable emphasis on robust vaccination programs. India is one of the few countries where universal routine childhood immunization is provided free of charge. Despite this impressive arrangement, immunization cove...

Hexavalent Vaccinations: The Future of Routine Immunization?

As the world takes rapid strides in the eradication of polio, the trivalent inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) would be the only polio vaccine available in the near future. Since the maintenance of herd immunity is important for sustaining polio eradication, this vaccine would need to be used in the early childhood immunization schedule for many years to come [1]. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of...

Recommendations for Pneumococcal Immunization Outside Routine Childhood Immunization Programs in Western Europe

The global burden of pneumococcal diseases is high, with young children and adults≥50 years of age at highest risk of infection. Two types of vaccine are available for the prevention of pneumococcal diseases caused by specific Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes: the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) and the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13). Despite pneumococcal ...