Immunization is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease.
Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. It prevents deaths every year in all age groups from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Vaccine-preventable diseases include cervical cancer, cholera, diphtheria, Hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, pertussis, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, typhoid, yellow Fever.
Immunization and Vaccines Development
The Immunization and Vaccines Development Programme provides technical support to countries in the African Region in order to contribute to the reduction of disease, disability and death due to vaccine preventable diseases.
Guide for Developing Immunization Policies (6.76 MB)
Related Links
Global Vaccine Action Plan 2011-2020
Q&A on immunization and vaccine safety
Q&A on why is vaccination important for addressing antibiotic resistance?
