Safety of Routine Childhood Vaccinations

Abstract

Immunisations have been one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in human history. Despite remarkable progress, several challenges face immunisation programs worldwide. Paradoxically, despite vaccines' clear effectiveness in reducing risks of diseases that were previously widely prevalent and caused substantial morbidity and mortality, current vaccination policies have become increasingly controversial due to concerns about vaccine safety. Vaccines, like other pharmaceutical products, are not entirely risk-free. While most known adverse effects are minor and self-limited, some vaccines have been associated with very rare but serious adverse effects. Because such rare effects are often not evident until vaccines come into widespread use, ongoing surveillance programs to monitor vaccine safety are needed. Such monitoring will be essential if the public is to accept the increasing number of new vaccines made possible by biotechnology. The interpretation of data from vaccine safety research is complex and is associated with some uncertainty. Effectively communicating this uncertainty and continuing to improve understanding of rare risks and risk factors are essential for "mature" immunisation programs to maintain public confidence in immunisations.

Vaccine knowledge and practices of primary care providers of exempt vs. vaccinated children

“…When high levels of immunization coverage are sustained, disease is reduced and public attention shifts to concerns about vaccine safety rather than fear of the diseases. When concerns about vaccine safety become widespread, a loss in public confidence in vaccines 3 can result in a resurgence of disease. 4 Most parents follow the advice of their primary health care providers (PHCP) and comply with state school immunization requirements by fully vaccinating their children before school entrance.…”

The importance of evidence-based and transparent communication to get trust towards vaccination programs

“…Transparent communication about the available evidence on vaccine benefits is the best way to gain people's trust. On the other hand, acknowledging the level of uncertainties should be followed by an effective monitoring plan aimed at filling the knowledge gaps in a reasonable timeframe (8) .…”

Vaccination Age Changing from Infancy and Childhood to Adolescence and Adulthood: An In-Dispensable Approach in Immunization Programs

“…Despite vaccines have contributed in reducing the impact of many infectious diseases, they are not completely safe and can cause adverse effects. While common side effects of vaccines are mild, some vaccines have been associated with serious or even deadly side effects [1]. On the other hand, public confidence in vaccines is waning [2][3][4].…”