Immunization Programs — Definition

Definition

Immunization programmes organise the delivery of vaccines to eligible populations to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. They combine scheduling, supply and temperature management, trained personnel, accessible sessions, records, communication and safety surveillance.

Their purpose is broader than administering an isolated dose: people must receive the appropriate services reliably, including those missed by routine delivery. Coverage is a population measure and must be tied to a defined vaccine, dose, age group and period.

An adverse event occurring after vaccination is not automatically caused by it; the event requires reporting and assessment through the relevant system.