Current childhood immunizations

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.