According to the World Health Organization, Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions. It prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths every year. Immunisation is key to the achievement of Millennium Development Goal 4 on reducing under-five mortality by two thirds by 2015. Many of these deaths occur from diseases that can be prevented with vaccines.
Immunisation is also a key strategy to ensure global health security and for responding to the threat of emerging infections. Immunisation is also a key strategy to ensure global health security and for responding to the threat of emerging infections. In addition to reducing disease, suffering and death, immunisation also reduces the strain on health care systems and in many cases saves money that can be directed to other health services.
Health care workers who work with patients have an increased risk of exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases, and of passing those infections to other patients. As a result, health-care systems around the world recommend the immunisation of health care workers against certain infectious diseases. The rationale for this is three-fold. Vaccination against key diseases will protect the health care workers, protect their families and protect their patients.
ICN publication on Adult and Childhood Immunisation - An Update from ICN
Relevant ICN fact sheets on:
- Immunisations for Health-Care Workers: Influenza and Hepatitis B
- Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI)
- First Do No Harm: Auto-Disable Syringes for Immunization Safety
- Immunisation Safety: An Essential Nursing Function
- Immunisation Safety: Safe Waste Disposal Practices Saves Lives
WHO immunisation fact sheets:
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