World Immunization Week: 24 – 30 April 2022
For more than two centuries, vaccines have helped keep people healthy—from the very first vaccine developed to protect against smallpox in 1796 to the newest vaccines used to prevent severe cases of COVID-19. Since then, families and communities have entrusted vaccines to protect their loved ones. But the value of vaccines is measured by more than the number of doses given.
Each April, World Immunization Week brings together people from around the world to highlight the importance of vaccines and how they protect people of all ages against many diseases, giving us the opportunity to pursue a life well-lived. This year’s campaign comes at an especially critical time as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted essential health services, including routine immunization, setting back progress by more than a decade. Unfortunately, millions of people are still missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines, making it urgent to catch up and reach those who have been missed.
The 2022 theme “Long Life for All” aims to unify people around the idea that vaccines make it possible for us to follow our dreams, protect our loved ones and live a long, healthy life. Vaccines are one of the most impactful scientific innovations of all time, helping to protect generations of people against infectious diseases throughout the course of their lives. A culmination of over 200 years of research, worldwide collaboration and rigorous testing has led to the development of safe and effective vaccines for more than 25 diseases.
"The European Vaccine Initiative remains firmly committed to the vision of a world where vaccines create health and equity. Together we must safeguard the delivery of essential vaccines to all people" --- Ole Olesen, EVI Executive Director.
Tomorrow’s generation will have a brighter – and healthier – future.
We are closer to a world where future generations are protected from disease outbreaks and epidemics. Investments in transformative technology and innovation allow scientists to develop new vaccines more quickly and improve old ones, so that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and pursue a life well lived. Ultimately, vaccines provide hope for all of us to enjoy a healthy, more fulfilling life – and that's something we should all be fighting for.
Source: Adapted from World Health Organization https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/world-immunization-week-2022