Healthcare management

Healthcare services

1.4.1 Immunization and vaccinations

A key strategy is to ensure universal access and high coverage for all recommended immunizations.

  • Life-Course Approach: The strategy must extend beyond childhood to include vaccinations for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. This includes boosters for existing vaccines and new vaccines for age-related illnesses like shingles, influenza, and pneumonia. The full list of immunizations is in the table below.

 

Age Group WHO Recommendations (Global) CDC Recommendations (U.S.) US NHS Recommendations (U.K.) GB
Infants (Birth-1 year) Hepatitis B, DTP, Hib, Polio, PCV, Rotavirus, BCG (in high-risk areas). A focus on a core set of essential vaccines. Hepatitis B (at birth), DTaP, Hib, IPV (Polio), PCV, Rotavirus, and MMR (after 1 year). 6-in-1 vaccine (DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB), MenB, Rotavirus.
Children (1- 10 years) Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) in 2 doses. Continue with catch-up vaccinations for any missed infant doses. MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis A, and DTaP and IPV boosters. The Influenza (Flu) vaccine is recommended annually. MMR, PCV booster, MenB booster, and the 4-in-1 pre- school booster (DTaP/IPV). The flu vaccine is offered annually.
Adolescents (11-18 years) HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, and other relevant boosters based on national disease trends. Tdap booster, MenACWY (Meningococcal) vaccine, and HPV. The flu vaccine is an annual recommendation. HPV vaccine (as a single dose since 2023), MenACWY vaccine, and a 3-in-1 booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. Annual flu vaccine.
Adults (19+ years) Recommendations are risk-based, including Tdap boosters every 10 years and Influenza annually. Annual Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Tdap booster every 10 years. Shingles (for ages 50+), Pneumococcal (for ages 65+), and Hepatitis B for those at risk. Annual Influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Pneumococcal (for those over 65) and Shingles (for those over 65). The whooping cough vaccine is offered to pregnant women.

Table: Immunization Schedule across the Life Course by Global, US and UK Public Health Bodies.
Source: WHO immunization schedule, CDC (US), NHS (UK).

 

  • Herd Immunity: Health services should focus on educating the public about the importance of herd immunity, which protects vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated.

  • Accessibility: To reach everyone, health services must offer a variety of access points, such as mobile clinics, school-based programs, and pharmacy services, especially in rural or underserved areas.

  1. 1.1 Introduction
  2. 1.2 Strategy
    1. 1.2.1 Considerations by age group
  3. 1.3 Policy
    1. 1.3.1 Key policy interventions
  4. 1.4 Private sector
    1. 1.4.1 Immunization and vaccinations
    2. 1.4.2 Infant health
    3. 1.4.3 Chronic disease management
    4. 1.4.4 Multimorbidity
    5. 1.4.5 Mental and social health services
    6. 1.4.6 Women’s health
    7. 1.4.7 Access to community and social services