World Immunisation Week, which takes place from 24 to 30 April and we’re here to share information on how Immunisation saves lives and how vaccination prevents disease outbreaks.
Despite all the controversial conversations around that Covid-19 vaccine, vaccines are super important in protecting children and people of all ages against disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO)’s aim is to protect humans from vaccine-preventable diseases. Let’s start by unpacking what those are and which vaccines are the most important.
Vaccination 101
The purpose of vaccines is to protect against disease. Vaccines are a powerful tool in conferring immunity against a spectrum of infectious diseases.
How do they work? By introducing weakened or inactive forms of pathogens into the body, vaccines stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, building defences against future encounters with the actual disease-causing agents.
Vaccine programmes play a pivotal role in curbing the spread of infectious diseases within communities. By achieving widespread immunisation, vaccines effectively create ‘herd immunity’, which reduces the likelihood of disease transmission and safeguards vulnerable populations, including those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.
NB Vaccines
The WHO has identified a comprehensive list of vaccines, which it deems essential for protecting individuals against a range of preventable diseases.
These include vaccines targeting diseases such as:
- Measles
- Polio
- Influenza
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
- Pertussis
Each vaccine is meticulously developed and rigorously tested to ensure safety and efficacy. The eradication of smallpox and ongoing efforts to eliminate diseases like polio, show the transformative impact of vaccination programmes.
Community Responsibility
Embracing vaccination is not only a matter of personal health but also a collective responsibility to safeguard the health and well-being of entire communities. By choosing to vaccinate, individuals contribute to the broader effort of disease prevention and support the resilience of public health systems.
Several diseases that were once under control or on the verge of eradication are experiencing a resurgence due to declining vaccination rates in some communities. These diseases include: measles, polio, whooping cough, mumps, rubella and hepatitis B, as some examples.
When in doubt about any vaccine, consult with your medical doctor for expert medical advice on the best way forward for you and your family.
Read more about World Immunisation Week here: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week
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