The official guide to immunisations

Abstract

The Advisory Committee on Immunisation Policy was legally set up in November 2007 following the publication of Legal Notice 253/07, There have been various developments in the area of vaccination in Malta since the setting up of this committee. These include a revision of the national schedule with phasing out of oral polio and whole cell pertussis vaccines, and replacement with injectable polio and acelluar pertussis vaccines. Training of health care professionals was enhanced as was the awareness of the importance a/vaccination within the general population. Assessments and recommendations for the introduction of new vaccines on the national schedule and for specific risk groups are also under way. Vaccination results in both a benefit to health and savings in direct and indirect medical care costs. The provision of a publicly funded vaccination programme improves health and results in monetary savings. We encourage parents, guardians, and adults to maintain their children's immunisations up to date and all adults to be immunised according to national recommendations. A reminder here is justified on the obligation of reporting all vaccinations given. This is of paramount importance for compiling national coverage rates which is our obligation to report to World Health Organisation and to enable us to seek guidance on further actions. Your role as health care professionals is crucial and hence the Advisory Committee on Immunisation Policy feels the need to present to you the latest information on vaccination in this booklet.

Producing such a publication was possible through the dedication and voluntary time commitment on the part of those involved. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the members of the committee for completing this very important resource. I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge their invaluable contribution and continued commitment in providing ongoing advice and recommendations on vaccine use in Malta.