-Automatic translation

Vaccinations are the most powerful tool in the fight against infectious diseases. Smallpox vaccination began in Iceland in 1802. But general childhood vaccinations began in the 1950s with vaccinations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, and polio. Measles was added to general vaccination in 1976. In 1989, vaccination with the MMR vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella began. As a result, all these diseases have nearly been eradicated in Iceland.

Vaccination against the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) began in 1989 and then also against meningococcal and pneumococcal. All these vaccinations have prevented several severe illnesses and deaths. After 2010, vaccinations against HPV infection, which can cause cancer and vaccination against chickenpox have been added.

European Immunization Week

Week 21-27 April 2024 is European Immunization Week, during which the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) remind us of the importance of vaccinations in preventing diseases and protecting lives.

This year, the week holds special significance as it coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI). Commemorating this milestone, the campaign will celebrate the achievements over the past five decades in protecting multiple generations from vaccine-preventable severe illnesses. It will also emphasise the urgent need to achieve high and equitable vaccination coverage in every community to prevent outbreaks of these diseases now and in the future.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health

Vaccination prevents the spread of fatal diseases and has saved millions of lives. WHO launched its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in 1974 to ensure equal access to vaccines for children, regardless of geographical location or social status. In the past five decades, EPI has evolved and achieved excellent results for global health. The 50th anniversary of EPI is an essential motivation for general vaccinations.

General immunisation schedules

Building on the remarkable success of the vaccination campaign in eradicating smallpox worldwide in the 1980s, WHO launched the EPI program with the goal of providing children around the world with access to vaccines that save lives.

Today, all countries have universal immunisation programs, and vaccines are recognised as among the safest, most cost-effective and most effective public health interventions that prevent death and improve quality of life.

When EPI was established, it focused on protecting all children against six childhood diseases: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and measles. Currently, 13 diseases are generally recommended for lifelong vaccination and other vaccinations in certain circumstances (country, travel).

The unique collaboration between public and private organisations such as WHO, Rotary International, the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Gavi has also led to great results, such as a reduction in the number of cases of polio by more than 99% worldwide.

Collaboration for better health

Vaccination is one of the most effective and cost-effective interventions in health care, and it should be equally accessible to all. EPI's 50th anniversary is an opportunity to honour the achievements made and set new goals for the future. The program's success in preventing diseases, improving the health of children, and promoting equal access to healthcare underlines the importance of vaccination.

The Chief Epidemiologist

References:

• Annual report of communicable disease control 2018-2022. The Directorate of Health (Icelandic)

• Þórólfur Guðnason. The success and importance of vaccinations – a historical context. Læknablaðð 2018;104:188-191 (Icelandic)

• World Health Organization: European Immunization Week 21-27 April 2024

• World Health Organization: 50th anniversary of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)