Aspectos técnicos de los programas de vacunación

Abstract

Realizing that immunization policies and practices may vary greatly from country to country and that it would be extremely difficult to know all immunization policies and practices in the Americas, the data submitted should be regarded only as a starting point for further discussion and definition of questions for which no certain answer exists

The following aspects are covered for each immunization procedure: 1) brief description of the vaccine or vaccines used; 2) care and maintenance of the vaccines; 3) indications for use, application to immunization programs; 4) precautions, special problems, etc., and 5) efficacy of the vaccine and evaluation of results of its use

Certain general principles which apply to most immunizing agents are also formulated: 1) Care and handling: the recommended temperature range for storage and transportation of each vaccine should be known and adhered to; 2) Expiration date: because of their instability all vaccines are given an expiration date, beyond which their potency cannot be guaranteed; 3) Indications for use, scheduling, etc.: any recommendations made under this heading is realitve and should not be considered as rigid requirement, unless so stated, becaue it refers to prevailing usage or custom; similarly, deviations from a recommended schedule of multiple injections do not invalidate their effect, unless the intervals between injections are much ... (AU)