The global alliance reports that although children in developing countries are scheduled by their national immunization programmes to receive six or seven antigens as part of their routine series of vaccination, children in the wealthier countries in Europe and North America can expect to receive protection against more than 10 vaccine-preventable diseases. This ‘‘vaccine gap’’ is another example of the inequitable distribution of health services that con- tributes to the growing difference inmortality between rich and poor. Incorporating newer, safe, and effective vaccines into routine immunization programmes and increasing coverage for all vaccines in a consistent and sustainable manner for all segments of the population will require a long-term commitment to developing and implementing programmes
