VACCINES FROM THE MOTHER’S WOMB TO THE END OF LIFE

Abstract

Vaccination is the second most revolutionary strategy for preventing and reducing mortality associated with infectious diseases, after the introduction of drinking water. It is estimated that since the 1970s, vaccines have prevented approximately 154 million deaths worldwide, 95% of which occurred in children under 5 years of age. Specifically, the measles vaccine is considered the vaccine that has saved the most lives in the last 50 years, regardless of geographic region or socioeconomic status. Over the last century, knowledge about immunization has evolved beyond childhood vaccines, increasing the need for a lifelong approach to vaccination, encompassing childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age, especially due to increasing life expectancy and the presence of new infectious disease threats. In Chile, vaccines from the National Im munization Program of the Ministry of Health are mandatory and free for every individual living in the country, regardless of the type of health insurance and socioeconomic level. They include vaccines from newborns to the population over 65 years of age against the following microorganisms: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Clostridium tetanis, hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, polio, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, measles, rubella, mumps, varicella-zoster virus, human papillomavirus, SARS-CoV-2, Mpox, and yellow fever. This article will focus on a review of some of these vaccines, their impact, and their indications at the population and individual levels.