25 years of an integrated vaccination program in Chile.

Various problems and subjects related to the long Chilean experience in vaccination programmes are reported. Emphasis is placed on proper administrative and planning steps in order to obtain the right epidemiological diagnosis, to develop the infrastructure of health, to support financially, to manage resources, to train personnel, to apply techniques and to evaluate periodically. The advantages of the integration of the programme in primary services are commented on. Epidemiological evaluation and surveillance are considered highly important in the successes obtained. The particular structure of health services in Chile has played a meaningful role in meeting public health requirements for the past 25 years, specifically with respect to vaccination programmes.