Using vaccines to prevent communicable diseases

Developing improved vaccines against major communicable diseases
Immunizing children at risk from infectious disease

Description

Using vaccines to prevent communicable diseases involves the systematic administration of immunizations to individuals or populations to build immunity and interrupt disease transmission. This strategy directly reduces illness, disability, and death caused by infectious agents by providing targeted protection, especially in vulnerable groups. It addresses the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases, curbs outbreaks, and supports public health by decreasing healthcare burdens and fostering herd immunity, ultimately contributing to the control and eradication of specific diseases.

Context

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities. Agenda 21 recommends developing and making widely available new and improved vaccines against major communicable diseases that are efficient and safe and offer protection with a minimum number of doses, including intensifying efforts directed at the vaccines needed to combat common diseases of children.