Introduction

This study session and the next one focus on the communicable diseases that can be prevented by immunization with vaccines. Together they are known as vaccine-preventable diseases. In this study session you will learn about vaccine-preventable diseases caused by bacteria. In Study Session 4 we will describe those that are caused by viruses. Greater understanding of these diseases will help you to identify the ones that are common in your community, so that you can provide effective vaccination programmes, and identify and refer infected people for specialised treatment at a higher health facility.

You will learn about vaccines in detail in the Immunization Module.

In this study session, you will learn some basic facts about bacterial vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly how these diseases are transmitted, and how they can be treated and prevented. Our focus will be on tetanus and meningitis, because tuberculosis (TB), which is a bacterial vaccine-preventable disease, will be discussed in much more detail in Study Sessions 13–17 of this Module. Bacterial pneumonia (infection of the lungs), caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, is also discussed in detail later, in Study Session 35. A vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae is already being given to children in Ethiopia. A new vaccine against Streptococcus pneumoniae is planned to be introduced in Ethiopia, probably in 2011/2012.