Public health The District Immunisation Coordinator

Childhood immunisation is one of the most cost eVective activities undertaken by health professionals and it has been an important part of the health services in most developed countries for about 200 years.1 From the begin-ning it has been a complicated programme to deliver, not least because the success of any immunisation programme, as evidenced by a reduction in infectious disease, can lead to complacency on the part of both health professionals and the public. Since the advent of immunisation there have been myths and misconceptions about the safety and value of particular vaccines.2 Unlike most aspects of health care, immunisation programmes are targeted at whole populations,most of whom are perfectly healthy. Because it is important to ensure that as many people as possible receive the service, it is not just a question of passivel