JosVandelaer

Hi doodlelogic. You are correct. Immunization is a partnership, including BMGF and UNICEF, and together we are stronger.

Hi PonderMonger, UNICEF has immuniztaion programs mainly in developing countries, but of course we are very concerned when people don't immunize their children based on misconceptions or false information. The measles outbreak in the UK and whooping cough in the US are clear indications that without immunization these diseases will strike anywhere. It is therefore essential to immunize ALL children.

Hi! We for sure hope polio will be eradicated in the next couple of years! We have done it with smallpox, and polio is next! We are making a lot of efforts to eradicate polio, and in doing so, we are also contributing to decreasing other diseases. Organizing big immunization campaigns involves a lot of management and a lot of logistics, because you need to vaccinate millions of children in just a few days. Of course, these are just some of the challenges. Others include funding and keeping immunization a political priority.

Great question. The studies that claimed there was a link between vaccines and autism have been fully discredited. There has been a very deep and thorough scientific discussion around the topic, and the conclusion is that there is no link between vaccines and autism. The diseases vaccines protect against are life-threatening. To decide not to vaccinate your child because of unsubstantiated and not scientifically-proven rumours is simply dangerous: it harms your child's health!

Hello hithazel, The RTS,S malaria vaccine is currently being tested (i.e. not yet used in programs), and seems to protect between 1/3 and 1/2 of immunized children, depending on the age it is given. Further studies are ongoing. In broad terms the prospect of a malaria vaccine is very appealing, but the current vaccine has not yet given the results we would have hoped for.