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Overview of Expanded Immunization Programs

Apr 29, 2025

Community and Public Health: Expanded Program on Immunization

Introduction

  • Presenter: Dr. Junelle
  • Topic: Expanded Program on Immunization

Understanding Immunity

  • Immunity: Condition of being protected against a particular disease; ability of the body to fight against microorganisms.
  • Types of Immunity:
    • Natural or Innate Immunity: Inborn defense system against infections.
      • Includes mechanisms like macrophages, granulocytes, and killer cells.
    • Adaptive Immunity: Developed through exposure to disease-causing organisms.
      • Involves antigens and antibodies.
      • Types:
        • Active Adaptive Immunity: Body creates antibodies after exposure.
        • Passive Adaptive Immunity: Antibodies are acquired externally.

Types of Adaptive Immunity

  • Naturally Acquired Active Immunity: Results from infection (e.g., COVID-19 exposure leading to antibody creation).
  • Artificially Acquired Active Immunity: Through vaccines, which are copies of microorganisms.
  • Naturally Acquired Passive Immunity: Antibodies from mother to child via placenta or colostrum.
  • Artificially Acquired Passive Immunity: Injection of antibodies (e.g., anti-serum, immunoglobulins).

Immunization Overview

  • Purpose: Triggering immune system through vaccines; cost-effective disease prevention.
  • Types:
    • Active Immunization: Introduction of a copy of microorganism to stimulate antibody production.
    • Passive Immunization: Direct introduction of antibodies.

Development of Vaccines

  • History:
    • 18th Century: Smallpox pandemic led to primitive variolation.
    • 1796: Edward Jenner developed first vaccination using cowpox.
  • Types of Vaccines:
    • Live Attenuated: Weakened form of organism given to provoke immune response.
    • Inactivated: Killed microorganisms given to stimulate antibody production.

Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)

  • Establishment: By WHO in 1976; Philippines started in 1979.
  • Objective: Protect infants, children, and mothers through vaccination.
  • Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: Tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles.
  • Philippines EPI Strategies:
    • Reaching Every Barangay (REV)
    • Supplemental Immunization Activities
    • Strengthening Disease Surveillance

EPI Goals

  • Immunize against common diseases.
  • Sustain polio-free status.
  • Eliminate measles and maternal/neonatal tetanus.
  • Control other diseases like hepatitis B and pertussis.

Description of EPI Vaccines

  • BCG: Prevents TB meningitis; given at birth.
  • Hepatitis B: Prevents hepatitis; given intramuscularly.
  • Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV): Prevents polio; given orally.
  • Pentavalent Vaccine: Protects against five diseases including diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Hib.
  • Measles Vaccine: Prevents measles; given at nine months.

Vaccine Storage: Cold Chain System

  • Purpose: Maintains vaccine potency through cold temperatures.
  • Significance: Critical for vaccine efficacy.
  • Storage Requirements: Different vaccines require different storage temperatures.

Legal Framework

  • Republic Act 10152: Provides free vaccines up to five years of age; includes new vaccines.

Vaccination Principles

  • Vaccines can be given even with mild illnesses.
  • Multiple vaccines can be given on the same day at different sites.
  • Vaccine schedules should not restart if doses are missed.
  • Specific precautions for vaccines (e.g., allergy considerations).

Conclusion

  • Herd Immunity: Achieved by vaccinating the majority, providing indirect protection.
  • Immunization Targets: Completion of vaccines by certain ages.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the Expanded Program on Immunization, covering immunity types, vaccine history, EPI strategies, and vaccination principles.

Full transcript