Immunizing Children

Children are immunized to prevent them from suffering serious infections. Immunization offers protection to the individual, prevents substantial outbreaks of infectious disease and, in the case of smallpox, has led to the world-wide eradication of a serious, lethal disease. With high levels of immunization uptake, a "herd immunity" is achieved which helps protect children who cannot be immunized. The aim of this book is to encourage health workers to achieve the highest possible immunization levels. The author argues that uptake levels can be used as a measure of the effectiveness of the primary health care team, who should deliver consistent advice and contribute to the smooth running of a co-ordinated service.