Routine Immunization

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Routine immunization has become among the most common preventive tools use by medical practitioners all over the World. Vaccinations have proven to eradicated and control many preventable diseases such as smallpox, polio, measles, tetanus and diphtheria among others. Globally, children vaccines calendars are most familiar for all developed and underdeveloped countries. However, only until recently that adolescents and adult vaccinations are known for many underdeveloped countries. Travel medicine is a good way to promote immunization calendars for all and should be a goal for our performance because there is an intrinsic synergistic relationship between them. The World Health Organization (WHO) has an important role in recommending routine immunizations for all groups of ages (children, adolescents and adults), diverse regions, and certain risk populations. WHO initial main program was the Expanded Program in Immunization which included vaccines for the maternal and children population under one year of age. Now among other goals are integrating immunizations’ in the health systems and immunizing within a global health interdependence context are global objectives. Most countries follow the basic program for children and must comply with mandatory travel vaccines by the new International Health Regulations (2005). However, still the risk of lifethreatening illness is very high especially in underdeveloped regions because still the vaccines coverage is low, therefore; the risk for reemerging diseases and spreading consequently with illnesses, disability and deaths. Also, there are new technologies and vaccines available which make difficult to financially provide the service for all. New biological products developments and technologies, vaccines primary series, interval of doses, and boosters must be learned by travel medicine practitioners. Also, adverse reactions and contraindications, particularly for those travelers with special needs or conditions in order to provide good advice during their pre-travel consultation.