Childhood Immunisations: Why Are They Important?

Question 1

How do we know that vaccines work and are safe?

Answer 1

1. Effectiveness measured: antibodies and epidemiological assessment.
2. Safety: with animal trials, human trails and post marketing surveillance.
3. Efficacy Monitoring: with National Institute of Biological Standards and Control.

Question 2

What is the WHO’s opinion of immunisation?

Answer 2

Very cost-effective at saving lives, improving health and ensuring long term prosperity.

Question 3

What are the values of immunisation?

Answer 3

1. Save lives.
2. Prevent illness.
3. Reduce burden on healthcare.
4. Ensures cognitive skills of child improve quicker.
5. Physical strength of child develops quicker.
6. School performance improves.
7. Save medical expenditures.
8. Increase parents productive time.
9. Benefit the house hold.
10. More immunologically healthy.
11. Reduce anti-microbial resistance.

Question 4

What is the vaccine policy and guidance in the UK?

Answer 4

Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation: recommends British government concerning vaccination schedules and vaccine safety.
Green Book has latest info on vaccines.

Question 5

What is vaccine hesitancy?

Answer 5

Refers to delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite availability of the vaccination service. It is complex and context specific varying across time, place and vaccines. Has complacency, convenience and confidence factors.