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The expanded programme on immunization calendar in Poland
1Epidemiological Section, Public Health Department, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Miodowa 15 str, Warsaw, Poland.
Insights
Poland
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- Poland has a robust history of prophylactic vaccination.
- Hepatitis B vaccination was integrated into the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) between 1989 and 1996.
- Vaccination against Hepatitis B is provided free for newborns and high-risk individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of the Hepatitis B vaccination program in Poland.
- To report on vaccination coverage and disease incidence trends.
- To discuss future modifications and challenges within the EPI.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of vaccination program data.
- Monitoring of Hepatitis B incidence rates over time.
- Review of public health policy and financial considerations.
Main Results:
- Poland has consistently met or exceeded World Health Organization vaccination targets.
- Approximately 10% of the Polish population has received Hepatitis B vaccination.
- Hepatitis B incidence decreased significantly from 40 to 12.7 per 100,000 between the early 1990s and 1997.
Conclusions:
- The Hepatitis B vaccination program in Poland has been highly effective in reducing disease incidence.
- Future EPI modifications aim to include vaccines for mumps, rubella, and poliomyelitis.
- Financial constraints remain a challenge for implementing all recommended vaccinations.
Abstract:
Poland has a long history of prophylactic vaccination against infectious diseases. Hepatitis B vaccination was introduced in Poland between 1989 and 1996 as part of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). All newborns and those at high risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection currently receive hepatitis B vaccine free of charge. For many years Poland has reached or exceeded the indicators required by the World Health Organization for vaccination programmes, and about 10% of the population has now been vaccinated against hepatitis B. The incidence of hepatitis B has decreased from about 40 per 100,000 in the early 1990s to 12.7 per 100,000 in 1997. It is hoped to modify the EPI in the future to improve vaccination against mumps, rubella and poliomyelitis. The possible benefit of vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b is currently being evaluated. Financial constraints, however, mean that not all of the approved vaccinations can be implemented. The EPI is supported by recommended vaccinations in certain groups, who pay for the vaccines. For hepatitis B, these include children, teenagers, those between 20 and 40 years of age, and those at high risk because of lifestyle or occupation.