Linkages between immunization and breastfeeding promotion programs

Breastfeeding promotion and immunization are important interventions of child survival programs, especially in developing countries. Linkages between breastfeeding promotion programs and the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in developing countries mean that health care workers can make use of every contact with the mother and child to reinforce the educational messages of both programs. Breastfeeding does not interfere with vaccinations administered in accordance with the routine schedule recommended by the EPI Global Advisory Group for use in developing countries. Breastfeeding benefits the EPI and the EPI also benefits breastfeeding. The maximum reduction of morbidity and mortality will be achieved when all child survival interventions are applied in a balanced, complementary manner as envisaged in the concept of primary health care.