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Comparing benefits and risks of immunization.
1BC Centre for Disease Control, 655 W 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4. mark.bigham@bccdc.hnet.bc.ca
Summary
Universal immunization programs dramatically reduced diseases like Hib and measles by 90-100%. While serious vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs) are rare, their relative risk can now exceed the disease risk due to immunization success.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Immunization Science
Background:
- Quantifies benefits and risks of immunization programs.
- Focuses on universal immunization in British Columbia.
- Examines Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), measles, rubella, and poliomyelitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of universal immunization programs.
- To compare disease incidence reduction with vaccine-associated adverse events (VAAEs).
- To assess the risk-benefit ratio of childhood immunizations.
Main Methods:
- Extracted data from provincial surveillance systems.
- Compared disease incidence before and after immunization program implementation.
- Calculated prevented deaths and serious complications versus VAAEs.
Main Results:
- Disease incidence decreased by 90-100% within 5 years.
- Benefits of immunization were sustained and strengthened over time.
- Rates of reported serious VAAEs were consistently low.
Conclusions:
- Immunization programs have been remarkably successful in disease prevention.
- A paradox exists where the relative risk of VAAEs can exceed disease risk.
- Low absolute risk of VAAEs contrasts with their relative risk in a low-disease environment.