UNITE FOR CHILDREN

Immunization

Introduction

© UNICEF HQ97-0767/Lemoyne

Immunization describes the whole process of delivery of a vaccine and the immunity it generates in an individual and population.  A vaccine is a special form of a disease-causing agent (e.g., virus or bacteria) that has been developed to protect against that disease. 

Edward Jenner demonstrated the value of immunization against smallpox in 1792.  Nearly 200 years later, in 1977, smallpox was eradicated from the world through the widepsread and targeted use of the vaccine.  In 1974, based on the emerging succes of smallpox, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI).  Through the 1980s, UNICEF worked with WHO to achieve Universal Childhood Immunization of the six EPI vaccines (BCG, OPV, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and measles).   As a result a record 106 million children were vaccinated in 2008 and global immunization rates are at their highest level ever (82% in 2008). Coverage has been improving since the formation of the GAVI Alliance in 2000.  Nearly 23.5 million children are still not fully immunized every year.

The last 20 years have seen an explosion in the number of new vaccines. New vaccines against the leading causes of child deaths - pneumonia and diarrhoea- offer new hope. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and rotavirus vaccine (RV) protect against the leading causes of pneumonia and diarrhoea, respectively.  By themselves, these vaccines could save about 1 million children’s lives every year, sharply increasing the 2.5 million under-five deaths currently prevented through immunization annually. UNICEF is also working with partners so that the new vaccine momentum can enhance other interventions that help prevent deaths from these two diseases, so that the impact can be greater.

The hepatitis vaccine (HepB) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines have gained increased adoption by national immunization programmes over the last few years. By the end of 2009, 177 of WHO's 193 Member States were using HepB, and 157 countries Hib vaccine, in their routine immunization schedule for infants.

UNICEF uses the opportunity of immunization to deliver other life-saving services, too.  This includes providing regular vitamin A supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets to help protect families from malaria, and other locally appropriate interventions.

UNICEF is a global leader in vaccine supply, reaching 40 per cent of the world’s children.  Immunization is a central part of our commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable children.


 

 

 
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