Immunisation in the 21st century

Abstract

The 20th century has seen the introduction of numerous vaccines whose benefit to society can only be described as miraculous. Smallpox, which used to plague humanity and cause untold human suffering, has now been eliminated from the face of the earth. The polio virus, which resulted in the paralysis of millions of children and adults worldwide, is becoming a rarity in developed countries, with the last recorded case of indigenously acquired poliomyelitis occurring in the USA in 1979. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), once the leading cause of bacterial meningitis (and touching the lives of many Australians), has now been relegated to the 'historical interest only' category. The many physicians, scientists, nurses and other medical professionals who have contributed to these success stories should feel great pride and satisfaction. What they should not feel, however, is complacent! While we have managed to control these diseases by immunisation, with the possible exception of smallpox, they could all come back to haunt us if immunisation levels fall.