Infectious diseases are the leading cause of significant childhood morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries like Pakistan. About 50% of the deaths among children in Pakistan are due to pneumonia, diarrhea and measles, all vaccine preventable diseases.1 According to WHO, 2 to 3 million deaths occur each year, which can be prevented by immunization and approximately 1.5 million of these deaths occur in children under 5 years of age.2
Immunization is at the top of the list among the health prevention measures that have significantly reduced the childhood mortality and morbidity. Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) was initiated in Pakistan in 1978. It began with vaccinating children against tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus and measles. Hepatitis B vaccine was added to the program in 2002. Program was further augmented by addition of Haemophilus influenza (2009), pneumococcal (2012) and rota virus vaccine (2018).3
Key words: Immunization, Covid-19, Polio
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