The what, why and when of childhood vaccination in South Africa – 2019

摘要

The Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) was?initiated in 1974 by the 27th World Health Assembly to ensure?that all children in all countries benefit from lifesaving?vaccines. 1 Initial vaccination against six diseases – diphtheria,?tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles and tuberculosis have?grown from protecting around 5% of the world’s children?in 1974 against these diseases to more than 80% in 2014. 2 ?Today, immunisation remains the most cost-effective public?health intervention available.