Vaccine:

A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular

infectious disease. It is made from weakened or killed forms of the microbe, its toxins, or one of
its surface proteins.

Types of Vaccines:

1. Inactivated vaccines: Contain killed or inactivated microbes, such as flu vaccines.

2. Live, attenuated vaccines: Contain weakened or attenuated microbes, such as MMR vaccines.

3. Conjugate vaccines: Combine a weakened microbe with a carrier protein, such as pneumococcal
conjugate vaccines.

4. Subunit vaccines: Contain only specific components of a microbe, such as Hib vaccines.

5. mRNA vaccines: Use a piece of genetic material called messenger RNA to instruct cells to
produce a specific protein, such as COVID-19 vaccines.

How Vaccines Work

1. Introduction of antigens: Vaccines introduce antigens, which are substances that trigger an
immune response.

2. Activation of immune cells: Immune cells, such as T cells and B cells, recognize and respond to
the antigens.
3. Production of antibodies: B cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that recognize and bind
to specific antigens.
4. Memory cell formation: T cells and B cells form memory cells, which remember specific
antigens and can respond quickly to future infections.

Importance of Vaccines
1. Prevention of infectious diseases: Vaccines prevent infectious diseases, such as measles, polio,
and influenza.
2. Protection of vulnerable populations: Vaccines protect vulnerable populations, such as children,
older adults, and people with compromised immune systems.

3. Herd immunity: Vaccines contribute to herd immunity, which helps prevent the spread of
diseases in communities.

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4. Reduced risk of complications: Vaccines reduce the risk of complications and long-term health
consequences from infectious diseases.

Immunization is a crucial component of public health. Here are some reasons why:

Reasons Why Immunization is Important in Public Health

1. Prevents Infectious Diseases: Immunization helps prevent infectious diseases such as measles,
polio, and influenza.

2. Protects Vulnerable Populations: Immunization protects vulnerable populations such as children,

older adults, and people with compromised immune systems.

3. Reduces Disease Transmission: Immunization reduces the transmission of diseases, which helps
prevent outbreaks and epidemics.
4. Saves Lives: Immunization saves lives by preventing serious complications and deaths from
vaccine-preventable diseases.

5. Reduces Healthcare Costs: Immunization reduces healthcare costs by preventing costly

hospitalizations and treatments.

6. Promotes Herd Immunity: Immunization promotes herd immunity, which helps protect
individuals who are unable to receive vaccines due to medical reasons.

7. Supports Global Health Security: Immunization supports global health security by preventing
the spread of diseases across borders.

# Examples of Successful Immunization Programs

1. Smallpox Eradication: The global immunization campaign led to the eradication of smallpox in
1980.

2. Polio Elimination: Immunization efforts have led to a significant reduction in polio cases
worldwide.

3. Measles Reduction: Immunization programs have resulted in a substantial decline in measles

cases and deaths globally.

Challenges and Opportunities

1. Vaccine Hesitancy: Addressing vaccine hesitancy and misinformation is crucial to maintaining

high immunization rates.

2. Equitable Access: Ensuring equitable access to vaccines, especially in low-income and

marginalized communities, is essential.
3. New Vaccine Development: Continued investment in new vaccine development and research is
necessary to address emerging and re-emerging diseases.
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By prioritizing immunization, we can protect public health, prevent infectious diseases, and
promote a healthier future for all.

The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Pakistan was launched in 1978 to protect
children against vaccine-preventable diseases. The program aims to vaccinate children aged 0-15
months against 12 diseases, including tuberculosis, polio, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles,
meningitis, pertussis, pneumonia, tetanus, typhoid, and rubella ¹.

Key Objectives:
- Prevent deaths: EPI aims to prevent deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases.

- Eliminate diseases: The program aims to eliminate diseases such as polio, measles, and neonatal
tetanus.

- Improve vaccination coverage: EPI aims to improve vaccination coverage across the country,
particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Vaccination Schedule:

The EPI vaccination schedule includes the following vaccines:

- BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin): Given soon after birth to protect against childhood tuberculosis.
- OPV (Oral Poliovirus Vaccine): Given at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks to protect
against polio.
- Pentavalent vaccine: Given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks to protect against diphtheria,
tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

- Measles vaccine: Given at 9 months and 15 months to protect against measles.

Way Forward:

To overcome these challenges, the EPI program in Pakistan needs to:

- Improve logistical arrangements: Enhance cold chain facilities, ensure adequate vaccine supplies,
and improve access to remote areas.

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- Strengthen health worker capacity: Provide training, motivation, and support to health workers
to improve their attitudes and skills.

- Increase parental and female awareness and education: Launch awareness campaigns, provide
education, and engage with communities to promote the importance of vaccination.

By addressing these challenges and strengthening the EPI program, Pakistan can improve
vaccination coverage, reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, and
achieve its health development goals.