Ensuring vaccine safety in immunization programmes — a WHO perspective

Abstract

Ever since vaccines were firstly used against smallpox, adverse events following immunization have been reported. As immunization programmes expand to reach even the most remote communities in the poorest countries, it is likely that many more events will be temporally linked with vaccine administration. Furthermore, the profound shift in the general public and media interest in adverse events may lead to undue concerns and allegations which may ultimately jeopardize immunization programmes world-wide. While the health professional has understood this issue for some time, the public and the media have now also become all too aware of the significance of vaccine-related adverse events. The familiar vaccines, well-tested over decades, have not changed — but the perception regarding their safety has shifted. Claims outrageous or reasonable are being made against both the old and the newly-introduced vaccines. At the same time, the immunological and genetic revolution of the last decade may well bring to our notice some hypothetical risks that need to be addressed at pre-clinical level. WHO has been at the leading edge to guarantee vaccine safety for the last 30 years and will continue to do so. The Organization's plans for the next decade and beyond include the Safe Injection Global Network (SIGN), the development and introduction of safer technologies, and the prevention, early detection and management of AEFIs. The new technologies include needle-containing injection devices such as the autodisable syringe, as well as mucosal and transcutaneous immunization. Training will continue to be at the centre of WHO's efforts, limiting human error to a minimum. Mechanisms have been set in place to detect and respond to new and unforeseen events occurring. Above all, there is a willingness to respond to new climates and new technologies so that the Organization is in the best position to ensure safe immunization for all the world's children.