Building on the momentum of the smallpox eradication effort, the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in 1974 to ensure that all children, in all countries, benefited from life-saving vaccines. This programme has evolved into what is now commonly known as the Essential Programme on Immunization.

Today every country in the world has a national immunization programme and vaccines are viewed as one of the safest, most cost-effective, and successful public health interventions to prevent deaths and improve lives. Since the initial focus on protection against six childhood vaccine-preventable diseases (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and measles) over four decades ago, the addition of new vaccines has increased the breadth of protection provided by immunization, to include vaccinations for protection of older children, adolescents and adults.

There are now 13 vaccines (antigens) recommended by WHO for the EPI programme. They are: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), Hepatitis B (HepB), polio, measles, rubella, pneumococcal disease (PNC), rotavirus (Rota), human papillomavirus (HPV), and COVID-19 (for adults).

Committed to its goal of universal access to all relevant vaccines for all at risk, EPI continues to work in synergy with other public health programmes to control infectious diseases and achieve better health for all populations everywhere. 

In 2024, it will be 50 years since the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was initiated.