Immunizations for Children in Haiti

For most countries, immunization for all is something that has been going on for a while. However, this is not the case in Haiti and a few other third world countries. According to The New York Times, Haiti has come up with a plan to immunize 90 percent of its newborns by 2015. However, the country now needs over $100 million to carry it out.

Assuming that GAVI — the former Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization — approves the plan, Haiti will be the last country in this hemisphere to adopt a pentavalent vaccine that protects against Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib, and hepatitis B, as well as diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. The plan will also include the relatively new rotavirus and pneumococcal vaccines.

The ambitious plan depends on international support, which poured in after the earthquake and cholera epidemic. Major improvements will be needed, said Dr. Jon Andrus, deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization, liked building a solar-powered “cold chain” to keep vaccines refrigerated as they are distributed to rural clinics. And even assuming GAVI approval, donations are still $21 million short.


Immunization is something that all children should have done; it keeps them from contracting deadly diseases. And it just does not seem fair that children in Haiti cannot have this life saving procedure done. With a little research you could probably find out where you can send donations to help Haiti reach its goal so they may have the equipment to immunize their children.