Other report

To provide adequate direct and indirect protection against vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD), a high proportion of the population needs to be immune. Specific immunity against certain diseases can be achieved through immunisation with vaccines or exposure to the pathogen itself. The aim of immunisation programmes is to generate immunity in individuals and within the community to prevent the spread of disease and to reduce the impact of such diseases.

The Effectiveness of Pertussis Immunisation in Children (EPIC) study data provides good evidence that the current National Immunisation Schedule protects against severe pertussis in infants and children. The pertussis vaccine provides moderate protection against severe disease after two doses and good protection after three doses. No evidence of waning immunity was shown following dose three up to age four years or following 3P+1 doses up to age seven years.

Conclusions and recommendations

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization met on 14–16 April 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. This report summarizes the discussions, conclusions and recommendations.

Conclusions and recommendations

The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization met on 20–22 October 2015 in Geneva, Switzerland. This report summarizes the discussions, conclusions and recommendations.