Childhood vaccination and the role of the pharmacist

Vaccines are considered as one of the greatest advances in medical history, improving the lives of people, preventing disability and saving lives. Every year an estimated two to three million deaths are prevented through vaccination against life threatening diseases that disproportionately affect children. This article attempts to give an overview of the childhood vaccines available in South Africa, and the pharmacist’s role in vaccination, with a special focus on the promotion of immunisation, safe immunisation administration, vaccine cold chain, and vaccine safety.