Vaccines and worldwide utilisation

Some 20 vaccines are available for potential use in humans, and more are co ming to the market. The sad reality is, however, that even the old, good on es are not used properly worldwide. For two decades the World Health Organi sation has been aiming at immunising all the world's children with six esse ntial vaccines (the EPI Program) - against tuberculosis (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT), polio and measles but still, many children do not receive even this basic immunisation. A few more vaccines, such as those a gainst hepatitis B, meningococcal and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) d iseases, are planned for incorporation, but a worldwide decision has not be en made.