A study in this week's
Journal of the American Medical Association reports that cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses have declined dramatically over the past 30 years. Hospitalizations and deaths have also declined remarkably. In spite of much (unfounded) concern in the popular press and on the internet regarding vaccine safety, it is sometimes forgotten that vaccines have been extraordinarily effective in eradicating many serious and deadly illnesses.
The researchers write "The number of cases of most vaccine-preventable diseases is at an all-time low; hospitalizations and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases have also shown striking decreases. These achievements are largely due to reaching and maintaining high vaccine coverage levels from infancy throughout childhood by successful implementation of the infant and childhood immunization program."
The authors conclude "Vaccines are one of the greatest achievements of biomedical science and public health. Continued efforts to improve the efficacy and safety of vaccines and vaccine coverage among all age groups will provide overall public health benefit. The challenges in vaccine development, vaccine financing, surveillance, assessment, and vaccine delivery are opportunities for the future."