The importance of immunisation was highlighted by the Health Department earlier this month. The department is already providing free basic immunisation for all children.

The impact of the national immunisation programme on the health of our children is undoubtedly tremendous. One form of meningitis (caused by Hib) used to be very common among Maltese children. Since the introduction of the vaccine about 10 years ago, Hib meningitis has become exceeding rare.

There are other vaccines available which protect children against gastroenteritis, bacterial pneumonia, pneumococcal meningitis, chickenpox and cervical cancer. All these diseases are potentially serious and even deadly.

The vaccines are both safe and effective, but they are expensive. When told about the health benefits, many parents are willing to make a sacrifice for their children. Other parents simply cannot afford them.

It is unrealistic to expect the government to provide all vaccines free of charge. I don't know of any country in the world where all vaccines are free.

Still, the government could further promote immunisation among children even if the additional vaccines are not added to the national schedule.

For instance, it would be a significant gesture if the five per cent VAT on vaccines is waived.