Alberta Immunization Program
During the early 1900’s infectious diseases were the leading cause of death worldwide. Now, as the result of immunization programs, vaccine-preventable diseases cause less than 5% of all deaths in Canada. This accomplishment makes vaccines one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century. They are the cornerstone of child health programs and have significant value in protecting the health of the elderly and other individuals with lowered resistance to disease. Vaccines prevent disability and death and control the spread of infectious diseases within communities. They are still considered to be one of the most cost-effective health interventions.
Vaccines are safe and are continually monitored for safety and effectiveness. When new vaccines are introduced, they are well researched and tested. Health Canada undertakes a rigorous approval process before approval is granted for each vaccine. The risks of complications and serious disease from not vaccinating are far greater than the risks of a serious reaction to a vaccine.
Vaccines are successful in decreasing the incidence of disease. Many of the once common and deadly vaccine-preventable diseases are now controlled. As a result of immunization programs, smallpox has been eradicated globally. Before a polio vaccine was available, there were epidemics of paralytic poliomyelitis (polio) in Canada causing up to 20,000 cases in some years. Following the introduction of the polio vaccine in 1955, the number of cases dropped by 99% in 12 years. In Canada, the last case caused by a wild poliovirus was reported in 1988. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease was once the leading cause of life-threatening, serious infections in babies and young children. Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine for babies in 1988, the number of cases of infection caused by Hib has dropped by 99%. Immunizing elderly individuals with the influenza vaccine is approximately 50% to 60% effective in preventing hospitalization and pneumonia and up to 85% to 95% effective in preventing death from the complications of influenza.
However, despite these successes, vaccine-preventable diseases are still with us; bringing increased visits to the doctor, missed days from work, hospitalization, disability and even pre-mature death. When immunization coverage rates fall, epidemics of disease occur. For example, in Great Britain in 1974 there was a drop in the rate of immunization against whooping cough (pertussis). This was followed by an epidemic of more than 100,000 cases of whooping cough and 36 deaths. There have been similar experiences in other countries such as Japan and Sweden. In Russia, falling immunization rates have resulted in tens of thousands of cases of diphtheria. In 1994, there were 48,000 cases of diphtheria reported and 1700 deaths due to the disease. In 1996-1997, there was a large outbreak of rubella in Manitoba.
Immunization programs have been so effective that many of us have not personally experienced the fear caused by the threat of these diseases. Complacency about the importance of immunization is a growing concern. In Alberta we need to celebrate our past success and protect our future. We need to ensure vaccine availability and continue to inform Albertans about the dangers of infectious diseases and the benefits of vaccines.
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