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Benefits and risks of childhood immunisations in developing countries
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 23, 1987
Summary
Immunisation programs offer significant benefits, saving lives and preventing severe handicaps in developing countries. Health workers should confidently provide these life-saving immunizations to most children, as benefits greatly outweigh potential harms.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Assessing the risk-benefit ratio of public health interventions is crucial for evidence-based policy.
- Immunization programs are a cornerstone of child survival strategies globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the benefit-to-harm ratio of a hypothetical immunization program in a developing country.
- To quantify the potential lives saved and severe handicaps prevented by childhood immunizations.
Main Methods:
- Modeling an imaginary, modest immunization program.
- Estimating outcomes including lives saved and severe handicaps prevented.
Main Results:
- The ratio of benefit to harm was favorable for the proposed immunization program.
- Immunization is significantly more likely to benefit children than to cause harm.
Conclusions:
- Health workers can be encouraged to administer immunizations with confidence.
- The benefits of childhood immunization programs substantially outweigh the risks in developing country contexts.
Keywords:
Child HealthChild MortalityDelivery Of Health CareDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesHealthHealth ServicesHealth Services EvaluationImmunization--beneficial effectsImmunization--side effectsMedicineMorbidityMortalityOrganization And AdministrationPopulationPopulation DynamicsPreventive MedicinePrimary Health CareProgram EvaluationProgramsResearch Report