[Vaccines for all occasions].
The strategy of immunizing a population at risk of infectious disease has been enormously successful medically and has also proven to be cost effective. Development of effective immunogens, that induce active immunization, is a long process that requires careful monitoring and assurance of short and long term safety, induction of protective immunity and proven efficacy in preventing the disease. A successful immunization program is also dependent on delivery of the vaccine to as many susceptible individuals as possible, so as to attain herd immunity. Passive immunization with antibodies, usually used prior to the development of active vaccines has also been remarkably effective. The special circumstances of the field and crowded conditions have demanded that the Medical Corps of the Israeli army cater for the needs of our soldiers. In this issue, the past achievements and current immunization policy are outlined for the first time. Their contribution to the health of our soldiers is commendable. Close monitoring of the epidemiology of infectious disease in the special circumstances of field conditions has prompted successful programs to markedly reduce infectious hepatitis A by passive immunization with gamma globulin in the past and, nowadays, with the killed active viral vaccine. In addition, prevention of influenza by killed viral vaccine and invasive bacterial disease by Neisseria meningitidis with multivalent polysaccharide vaccines are being used. This group has also improved hygienic conditions in the field to cope with shigellosis and salmonella infections. Research in the development of effective vaccines for protection of shigellosis has also been addressed by this group. New challenges posed by the emerging infectious diseases and the possible effects of bioterrorism are certain to keep this group on their toes.
Passwell
Justen H
JH
D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000379:methods; D007557:Israel; D008889:Military Personnel; D014612:Vaccines / Q000191:economics
D014612:Vaccines