Present and future use of viral vaccines in Israel

Implementation of a routine immunization program is the result of the changing pattern of infectious diseases in the area, or of the availability of new vaccines against diseases of importance. Thus, on the one hand, smallpox and BCG vaccination at birth have been discontinued and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) has been added to the routine program; on the other hand, mumps vaccine, already available, is a very serious candidate for inclusion in the immunization schedule, while prevention of hepatitis A awaits an effective vaccine that is acceptable for mass use.