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State of immunization in the Americas.
C A de Quadros1, G Tambini, J L DiFabio
1Division of Vaccines and Immunization, Pan American Health Organization, Washington, DC, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|March 30, 2000
Summary
The Americas have successfully eradicated smallpox and wild poliovirus through vaccination efforts. High immunization coverage protects children, driving new initiatives for vaccine-preventable disease control.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Programs
Background:
- The Americas have a strong history of success in controlling infectious diseases through vaccination.
- Eradication of smallpox (1971) and wild poliovirus (1991) demonstrate regional leadership in public health.
- High vaccination coverage rates in the late 20th century indicate widespread protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the achievements of vaccination programs in the Americas.
- To underscore the ongoing importance of immunization for disease prevention.
- To emphasize the future role of vaccines in public health.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on vaccine-preventable disease eradication in the Americas.
- Analysis of vaccination coverage rates for key childhood immunizations in 1998.
- Assessment of the impact of immunization on public health outcomes.
Main Results:
- Smallpox eradicated in 1971; wild poliovirus transmission interrupted in 1991.
- 1998 vaccination coverage: Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (86%), oral poliovirus vaccine 3 (89%), bacille Calmette-Guérin (98%), measles (85%).
- These high coverage rates confirm substantial protection for children in the region.
Conclusions:
- Vaccination achievements in the Americas serve as a model for global public health.
- Continued investment in immunization is crucial for controlling and eradicating other vaccine-preventable diseases.
- Vaccines remain the most cost-effective strategy for disease prevention and reducing healthcare costs in the 21st century.