Immunization manual. Caribbean template: 2026 edition

The purpose of immunization is to induce protection (immunity) from subsequent disease, similar to what is induced by natural infection. This should be achieved with minimal or no systemic symptoms. Immunity may be induced either actively or passively against a variety of bacterial and viral antigens. The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was implemented in the 1970s as a programme of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), World Health Organization (WHO), and the nations of the world, with UNICEF being a major partner in this effort. The EPI initially focused on six childhood infectious diseases (measles, paralytic poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis [whooping cough], tetanus, and tuberculosis) and has since expanded to include hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and pneumococcal and rotavirus diseases. These diseases are all prevented by immunization and had resulted in major national and global morbidity, disability, and mortality. Vaccination services are provided through the public health system, which is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. This manual is expected to serve as a guide for health professionals who provide vaccination services. It is designed to be a key resource for providing vaccination to children, adolescents, adults, and older persons (i.e., everyone across the life course and at all levels of the healthcare system). The manual has been developed following scientific evidence and guidance from position papers prepared by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), PAHO Technical Advisory Group, and Caribbean Immunization Technical Advisory Group (CITAG). It is intended for use by policymakers and by healthcare providers in both the public and private health sector. Health professionals are expected to use this guidance in conjunction with professional judgement when administering any vaccine.