April 25 is the National Publicity Day for Children's Immunity. The theme for the day is "prevention of hepatitis B by vaccination". According to officials with Ministry of Health, China has incorporated bcg vaccine, poliomyelitis vaccine, chincough vaccine, diphtheria vaccine and tetanus vaccine into its planned immunity program for children. Governments of all levels will pay for theses vaccines.

Improving human's immunity level by vaccination is the most effective method to control and get rid of infectious disease. It is also a method of low cost. Since China's adoption of planned immunity for Children in 1970s, the vaccination rate among children in all provinces, counties and townships in China has reached 85 percent. The occurrence rate of infectious diseases has dropped notablely. In 2002, WHO confirmed China's status as country free from poliomyelitis.

Despite of the achievements accomplished, some problems and difficulties still exist in planned immunity. At present, the rate of vaccination for children in some regions decreases. The occurrence rate of some controllable diseases bounces back in some regions.

The Ministry of Health urges all localities to further strengthen guidance for the planned immunity and clarify government's responsibility in public health. More funds are required for the planned immunity. Collaboration between different departments and involvement of whole society are called for the implementation of planned immunity for children, so as to improve vaccination rate and protect children's health.

By People's Daily Online