When Vaccine Schedules Break Down

Despite the best efforts of national vaccination committees and implementation strategies, immunisation does not always go to plan. This can happen for several reasons, including:

• Vaccine hesitancy – an umbrella term that refers to delay, reluctance or refusal of individuals to take up vaccination for their children or themselves

• Conflict – in many areas of conflict around the world vaccine-preventable diseases have emerged with devastating consequences

• Financial Crisis – the world economic crisis that took hold in 2008 continues to cause waves around the world with major impacts on health care systems and immunisation

In the next few steps we will look more closely at the factors which cause breakdowns in routine immunisation and the consequences.