The development of purified vaccines for the control of common infectious
diseases may lead to a sense of false security and a tendency to over-immunize.
Repeated antigenic challenge may cause hypersensitivity reactions which could
harm the individual. For each vaccine there is an opitmum time and age for
dosing; for those vaccines requiring a course of doses, there is a minimum but
no maximum time interval between the doses. In Australia, active immunization is
conducted on a regular basis against seven preventable infectious diseases. In
this article, the vaccine control of each disease is discussed briefly and
suggestions made to avoid hyperimmunization. The need to appreciate the dangers
inherent in all immunization procedures in general, and in certain vaccines in
particular, is emphasized. Indiscriminate immunization cannot be condoned.
ALL INFORMATION, DATA, AND
MATERIAL CONTAINED, PRESENTED, OR PROVIDED HERE IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION
PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS REFLECTING THE KNOWLEDGE OR OPINIONS
OF THE PUBLISHER, AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED OR INTENDED AS PROVIDING MEDICAL OR
LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
COMPLEX ISSUE AND SHOULD BE MADE BY YOU, AND YOU ALONE, IN CONSULTATION WITH
YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.