CURRENT CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATIONS

  • H Simon Schaaf Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
  • Mark F Cotton Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University

Abstract

Vaccines are considered one of the greatest achievements of biomedical science and public health, and immunization probably is the most cost-effective intervention against infectious diseases to date. Despite recent public concerns about vaccine safety, immunization is much safer than accepting the risks for the diseases these vaccines prevent. Although not all vaccines are equally effective, immunization has already enabled the eradication of smallpox. Other previously devastating diseases such as polio, neonatal tetanus and measles may soon also be eliminated by use of existing vaccines, assisted by international governmental commitment to immunization. In this article practical aspects of immunization are discussed, providing the General Practitioner with comprehensive, but easy to use reference. (SA Fam Pract 2003;45(9): 25-31 )

Author Biographies

H Simon Schaaf, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
MMed (Paed), DCM, MD (Paed) Tygerberg Children's Hospital and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Mark F Cotton, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University
FCPaed (SA), DTM&H, DCH (SA) Tygerberg Children's Hospital and the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health
Issue
Vol 45 No 9 (2003)
Section
CPD
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