Immunization for the common communicable diseases.

Infectious diseases have dropped from the limelight in developed countries with the advent of immunization and antibiotics, but their worldwide significance in the terms of morbidity and mortality is still considerable. Whereas there are grounds for substantial differences in immunization schedules between the developed and developing countries, the acceptance of simplified immunization schedules in the former remains a crucial factor for gaining significant cover of young children and success in control of the target diseases. In the developed countries, continuing surveillance and re-evaluation of programmes is necessary to ensure that the benefits so far obtained are maintained. This paper summarizes the approach to immunization programmes both in developing countries and in Australia, and outlines the schedule recommended by the National Health and Medical Research Council at its 85th Session in June, 1978.