Immunization Programs 437
Immunization Programs
Large numbers of people
around the world are
protected from diseases
such as measles, tetanus,
and polio by receiving
special injections through
immunization (also called
vaccination) programs.
Immunization programs are
often run by international
organizations like World
Health Organization
(WHO) and UNICEF, together
with national and local governments,
and with the companies that make and sell vaccines.
These programs often do not include good plans for disposing of waste.
In many cases they leave waste behind to be handled by the communities
receiving the immunizations. This often leads to incinerating or burning the
wastes in the open, creating health problems for people and their environment.
Immunization programs can take responsibility for waste
With sufficient planning and support, an
immunization program can safely get
rid of its waste by:
• using the same trucks that
deliver immunization
supplies to carry away
waste for treatment
and disposal. If it is
a regional program,
a central waste
treatment center might
set up an autoclave
and safe burial pits.
• helping communities
set up health care
waste disposal systems,
which can remain long
after the immunization program is gone.
• using new technologies such as immunization guns that produce less
waste because they do not use needles or syringes.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012