Are immunisations necessary in these days of good hospital care, good hygiene and clean water supplies?
Yes. Many diseases prevented by immunisation are spread directly from person to person so good food, water and hygiene do not stop infection. Despite excellent hospital care, significant illness and death still occur from diseases that can be prevented by immunisation. Since Hib vaccines were first available in Australia in 1993, cases of Hib disease in children under five years have declined dramatically, with no change in living standards. There were over 500 Hib cases each year prior to Hib immunisation but in 1999 there were only 4 cases reported.
