Many serious childhood diseases are preventable by using vaccines routinely recommended for children. Since the introduction of routine immunisation programmes, rates of diseases such as polio, measles, hepatitis B, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and meningitis caused by haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) have declined by 90%. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), immunisation currently saves an estimated three (3) million lives per year worldwide. Vaccination not only protects the individual but also reduces the spread of disease within the community. The ability to provide information to caregivers and healthcare workers, and to collect and track immunisation data using digital technologies supports this important public health intervention.
