Introduction

You have seen common vaccine-preventable disease in Ethiopia in your communicable disease module. In these study session, you will learn how the immune systems protect us from infections, the general principles underlying immunisation, the types of immunity and the types of vaccines available.

In this study session, you will learn the main features of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in Ethiopia, and your role as a Health Extension for the achievement of EPI programs. Immunisation is important to the whole community or country at large due to the following general outcomes:

• It prevents millions of people dying each year needlessly.
• It has led to some diseases being eradicated from the world altogether, for example, smallpox, and others are targets for elimination, e.g. polio and neonatal tetanus.
• It promotes health and optimal growth and development in children.
• It releases resources for other health interventions.
• It is an investment for a healthy population and a stronger economy.