Childhood Immunization

A worthwhile investment

Feel free to revise this slideshow to meet your needs. Insert your program logo, new data, or additional messages. This template was prepared by the Childrens Vaccine Program at PATH (info@childrensvaccine.org) in collaboration with GAVI Version July 15, 2003

Immunization saves lives

Immunization saves the lives of approximately 3 million people each year, all over the world.

Strong immunization systems can protect our children

All children deserve to get full access to all the vaccines they need. Immunization is the foundation of the public health system--without it, other health programs would fail.

Vaccines are safe

Immunization is among the safest of modern medical interventions. Vaccines are easier and safer to administer than ever before. Being immunized is much safer than risking infection and disease.

Vaccines are always improving

Vaccine prices are lower than ever before. New vaccines protect against more diseases. New technologies make immunization cheaper and safer.

Immunization can save money

Immunization is one of the most costeffective health interventions. Investing in vaccines SAVES more money than it costs.

Immunization can protect the unprotected

When immunization coverage is high, it can prevent viruses and bacteria from circulating. The more children in a community that are fully immunized, the more everyone is safe.

And yet...

34 million children are not fully immunized

2.3 million still die each year

New vaccines are slow to reach the children who need them most

Children in developing countries lack access to newer vaccines that protect against hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Children in the industrialized world routinely receive that protection.

Diseases reappear when coverage drops

New Hope for Children

GAVI and The Vaccine Fund

Financial and technical assistance is available to countries that want help. New vaccines and technologies are affordable. Better vaccination programs can help other health interventions succeed.

New vaccines are reaching more countries

Hepatitis B vaccine Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine Japanese encephalitis vaccine Yellow fever vaccine Pneumococcus vaccine Meningococcal vaccine

Important goals

80% immunization coverage of all vaccines in all districts. Improved injection safety. Improved management of sharps waste. Prevent the majority of those 2.3 million avoidable deaths each year.

www. VaccineAlliance. org www. ChildrensVaccine. org

(extensive Resource Center)

www. VaccineFund. org

Thank you

All photos courtesy Thomas L. Kelly, GAVI/UNICEF