Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children - WHO Guidelines

Childhood Vaccination

Overview

Vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) are infectious diseases for which an effective preventive vaccine exists. If a person dies from a VPD, that death is considered a vaccine-preventable death. Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year.

According to WHO, immunization prevents 2-3 million deaths every year. Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body's natural defenses to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds.

The World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was established in 1974 with the goal to make vaccines available to all children throughout the world. Currently, WHO recommends immunization against 13 vaccine-preventable diseases in childhood.

2-3 Million

Deaths prevented annually by vaccination

13+

Vaccine-preventable diseases in children

90%

Global DTP3 vaccine coverage target by WHO

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

Most vaccine-preventable diseases are caused by germs that spread from person to person. Vaccines are the safest way to protect against these diseases and their potentially serious complications.

Measles

Highly contagious viral disease causing fever, rash, and can lead to pneumonia, brain damage, or death

Polio

Infectious disease caused by poliovirus that can cause paralysis and permanent disability

Diphtheria

Serious bacterial infection affecting mucous membranes of throat and nose

Tetanus

Bacterial disease causing painful muscle contractions, especially of jaw and neck muscles

Pertussis

Highly contagious respiratory disease known as whooping cough

Hib Disease

Bacterial infection causing pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious illnesses

Essential Childhood Vaccines

BCG Vaccine

Tuberculosis

Given at birth in high TB burden countries

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B

3 doses starting at birth

Polio Vaccine

Polio

IPV (inactivated) or OPV (oral)

DTaP Vaccine

3 Diseases

Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis

Hib Vaccine

Hib Disease

Prevents meningitis and pneumonia

PCV Vaccine

Pneumococcal

Prevents pneumonia and meningitis

Rotavirus Vaccine

Rotavirus

Oral vaccine for diarrhea prevention

MMR Vaccine

3 Diseases

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

WHO Recommended Vaccination Schedule

Complete information based on WHO guidelines for childhood immunization.

Measles (MMR Vaccine)

How it Spreads:

Airborne droplets from coughs/sneezes
Direct contact with nasal/throat secretions

Vaccine:

Available (MMR)

2 doses: First at 9-12 months, second at 15-18 months

Key Facts (WHO):

Before vaccine: 2.6 million deaths annually worldwide

Vaccine prevents: 21.1 million deaths (2000-2017)

Global coverage: 86% for first dose (2022)

Polio (IPV/OPV Vaccine)

How it Spreads:

Fecal-oral route
Contaminated food/water

Vaccine:

Available (IPV/OPV)

4 doses: 2, 4, 6-18 months, 4-6 years

Key Facts (WHO):

99% reduction in cases since 1988

Only 2 countries remain endemic (2023)

Type 2 and 3 wild poliovirus eradicated

Diphtheria (DTaP Vaccine)

How it Spreads:

Respiratory droplets
Direct contact with skin lesions

Vaccine:

Available (DTaP)

5 doses: 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 4-6 years

Key Facts (WHO):

Case-fatality rate: 5-10% (higher in children)

Global coverage: 86% for DTP3 (2022)

85% reduction in cases since 1980

Tetanus (DTaP Vaccine)

How it Spreads:

Contaminated wounds
Not person-to-person

Vaccine:

Available (DTaP)

5 doses in childhood, boosters every 10 years

Key Facts (WHO):

Neonatal tetanus eliminated in 47/59 priority countries

Case-fatality rate: 10-20% (with treatment)

80-100% without treatment

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

How it Spreads:

Respiratory droplets
Highly contagious

Vaccine:

Available (DTaP)

5 doses in childhood, Tdap booster for adolescents/adults

Key Facts (WHO):

Most severe in infants under 6 months

Global cases: 24.1 million annually

Deaths: 160,700 children under 5 (2014)

Information Source:

All information based on World Health Organization (WHO) data and guidelines.

For latest updates, visit: WHO Vaccines and Immunization

WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI): Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals