The function of vaccines is to work with the body’s defences by training the immune system to generate antibodies. This is a similar process which occurs when the body is infected with a virus or bacterium. However, the important difference between vaccines and infections is that vaccines contain either killed or weaker forms of the virus/bacterium and therefore will not cause the disease brought on by the normal active form of the virus/bacterium.
The process described above is called Immunisation, which is key to primary healthcare as it is known to prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths each year, including the prevention of 20 life-threatening diseases.
National Immunisation Service and Schedule
In Malta, the National Immunisation Service is responsible for the administration of all vaccines given to the public at all ages. The Immunisation Unit at Floriana Health Centre co-ordinates all vaccinations given from each health centre as well as some services given in the community and hospitals. All clinics in the health centres carry out the scheduled vaccinations for infants, children, and adolescents. The scheduled vaccines for infants and children up to 16 years are free of charge for all Maltese and EU citizens residing in Malta.