By Ashok k tiwari

Vaccination is the administration of antigenic material (a vaccine) to stimulate an individual's immune system to develop adaptive immunity to a pathogen. Vaccines can prevent or ameliorate morbidity from infection. Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing infectious diseases widespread immunity due to vaccination is largely responsible for the worldwide eradication of smallpox and the restriction of diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus from much of the world.

Smallpox vaccine contains live vaccinia virus, a virus in the orthopoxvirus family and closely related to variola virus, the agent that causes smallpox. Immunity resulting from immunization with vaccinia virus (vaccination) protects against smallpox.

Defective immune system,No formation of B cells and T cells. Protein energy malnutrition. Antigenic variation ( rhino virus causes common cold, 113 different of strains) Mutation of Antigen ( Influenza virus)( antigenic shift) A pathogen may have thousands of antigen on the surface( Trypanosoma) and that also changes regularly. Antigen concealment: antigen not exposed, as pathogen enter the body cells. Remain out of the reach, vibrio cholerae

To vaccinate the entire community or the area where the disease is commonly found. Helps to prevent transmission in a population.

Small pox is an acute contagious disease caused by variola virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family. Smallpox, which is believed to have originated over 3,000 years ago in India or Egypt, is one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity. For centuries, repeated epidemics swept across continents, decimating populations and changing the course of history

Clinical features The incubation period of smallpox is usually 1214 days (range 717) during which there is no evidence of viral shedding. During this period, the person looks and feels healthy and cannot infect others. The incubation period is followed by the sudden onset of influenza-like symptoms including fever, malaise, headache, prostration, severe back pain and, less often, abdominal pain and vomiting. Two to three days later, the temperature falls and the patient feels somewhat better, at which time the characteristic rash appears, first on the face, hands and forearms and then after a few days progressing to the trunk. Lesions also develop in the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth, and ulcerate very soon after their formation, releasing large amounts of virus into the mouth and throat.

In 1967, when WHO launched an intensified plan to eradicate smallpox, the "ancient scourge" threatened 60% of the world's population, killed every fourth victim, scarred or blinded most survivors, and eluded any form of treatment. Through the success of the global eradication campaign, smallpox was finally pushed back to the horn of Africa and then to a single last natural case, which occurred in Somalia in 1977. The global eradication of smallpox was certified, based on intense verification activities in countries, by a commission of eminent scientists in December 1979 and subsequently endorsed by the World Health Assembly in 1980.

Variola virus is very stable, so same vaccine could be used for all campaign, so cost effective. Antigen do not mutate. Vaccine can be freeze dried and could be kept at high tem for as long as 6 month. Infected people; easy to identify Vaccine easy to administer. Virus do not live in the body after infection. A lot of supporter for this programme, thus every single case was reported

Measles remains a leading cause of death among young children, despite the availability of a safe and effective vaccine for the past 40 years. In 2006, it was estimated that there were 242 000 measles deaths globally: this translates to about 663 deaths every day or 27 deaths every hour.

The first sign of infection is usually high fever, which begins approximately 10 to 12 days after exposure and lasts one to seven days. During the initial stage, the patient may develop a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and small white spots inside the cheeks. After several days, a rash develops, usually on the face and upper neck. Over a period of about three days, the rash spreads, eventually reaching the hands and feet.

Immunization prevents suffering, complications and death caused by measles. The measles vaccine is safe, effective and inexpensive. It costs less than one US dollar (for the vaccine, injection equipment and operational costs) to immunize a child against measles, making measles vaccination one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available for preventing deaths.

Virus is transmitted easily( unhygenic condition). Malnourished infants Poor response to vaccine shown by some children , need booster doses to develop full immunity. Migrant and refugee can form reservoirs of infection. Herd immunity can be effective.

Strong routine immunization: The first dose of measles vaccine is given to children at the age of nine months or shortly thereafter through routine immunization services. A 'second opportunity' for measles immunization is provided to all children aged nine months to 15 years Surveillance: Standard measles surveillance guidelines have been developed and implemented. Improved clinical management of measles cases, including vitamin A supplementation and adequate treatment of complications, if needed, with antibiotics.