Child Immunization and Vaccination

A great deal of success has been achieved in immunizing children against potentially life-threatening diseases. The increase in immunizations has helped reduce global childhood mortality and disability at a relatively low cost because vaccine-preventable diseases are responsible for the high rates of infant morbidity and mortality. Immunization is a basic requirement to ensure child health; it is a form of intervention that can prevent the occurrence of a number of childhood diseases such as tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, measles, pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis B, and yellow fever. It is imperative that every child be vaccinated, but not every child is fully vaccinated, especially in developing countries.

Childhood vaccines save lives, prevent long-term suffering, and help in reducing medical costs by preventing diseases. Effective childhood immunization is economical, as ...