Vaccines are one of the most powerful, and cost-effective medical technologies ever developed in human history, having made a global impact, especially for children. Vaccines had become part of life, having saved millions every year,even before COVID-19, and have the ability to provide future pre-emptive protection against global health threats.
Innovation in vaccines has helped in prevention of more than 30 diseases, such as malaria, pneumonia, Ebola and cancers caused by the HPV virus. In the past few decades, vaccines have allowed most people to live their lives without concern. More recently, they have safeguarded us and our families from serious illness and deaths caused by COVID-19. These vaccines helped in overcoming the biggest global pandemic by protecting the population including our frontline healthcare workers.
Vaccines have benefited individuals through every stage of their lives. Children who have been vaccinated are less prone to illnesses, and adults are less likely to face health issues, if vaccinated. Furthermore, vaccines are playing a key role in keeping individuals healthy from adulthood to old age. Widespread vaccination can also lead to fewer hospital admissions as well, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on patients with serious chronic conditions. Wide application of vaccines can not only prevent infections but also curb AMR by reducing antibiotics usage and protecting the health of overall population.
Of all the vaccines invented till date, the measles vaccine has had the most significant impact on reducing mortality. This vaccine is likely to remain one of the top contributors in preventing deaths in the future. Also, in the past few decades, vaccination against 14 diseases namely meningitis A, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, Haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever and diphtheria have contributed to reducing infant deaths by 40 percent, and in the African region, more than 50 percent.
Smallpox has been eradicated; polio is on the brink of getting eradicated, whereas a few recent vaccine developments have been useful in fighting against diseases such as malaria and cervical cancer. With continued research and development of vaccines, millions of lives can be saved in the future. In recent time, the Covid-19 pandemic has promoted global development and distribution efforts of vaccines rapidly.
There have been many challenges that have hindered vaccination initiatives. For instance, during the smallpox eradication campaign, accessing remote areas and training healthcare workers was a challenge. The vaccine was available since long, but its production was unregulated, which led to concerns about vaccine safety. Despite these challenges, it was one of the most successful campaigns owing to the dedication of healthcare providers who were involved.
Efforts to eradicate polio also encountered serious challenges in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure. This shortcoming deprived children with vaccine doses. Furthermore, there was a batch of vaccine that resulted in death and paralysis which temporarily halted the vaccination campaigns
Prevention of diseases: Vaccination campaigns are conducted to raise the population's immunity against a targeted pathogen which results in the prevention of infectious diseases.
Herd Immunity: Vaccination provides an indirect shield as the disease is unable to spread dues to reduced hosts.
Control of outbreak: Vaccination campaigns can prevent outbreaks and further spread of the disease.
Eradication of the disease: Diseases like smallpox have been completely eradicated, while a few like polio are about to get eliminated.
A vaccination campaign is successful if the vaccine is effective in preventing the disease. Secondly, identifying the vulnerable population and targeting them is also crucial for maximizing impact. Ensuring uninterrupted supply with proper storage facilities and proper healthcare staff also impacts the vaccination campaigns success to a great extent.
Vaccination campaigns have been one of the most transformative public health achievements. Vaccines have consistently shown their ability to save millions of lives by eradicating countless diseases across the globe. Although problems persist on fronts such as healthcare infrastructure and vaccine delivery systems, the outcomes like prevention of diseases, herd immunity, and control over outbreaks outweighs these difficulties.
Looking ahead, continued innovation in vaccine research and proper implementation of vaccination campaigns will remain crucial in safeguarding public health, and responding to emerging disease threats.