The Power of Prevention

Alongside health systems and governments from across the globe, the WHO works to raise awareness about the value of immunization – and to make sure that health systems have what they need to implement high-quality immunization programs. But the campaign’s primary goal is to highlight the collective action that is needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases like polio, whooping cough, and influenza. 

The continued development of new immunizations and vaccines can lead to improved outcomes for patients. Although there are no vaccines or immunizations yet approved in many countries for RSV, also known as respiratory syncytial virus, hope is on the horizon. Preventive interventions, which include immunizations and vaccinations both for children and pregnant women, could help address the impact of RSV. 

RSV is a seasonal virus that causes an infection in the lungs. By the age of two, most children have had RSV. Many infants and children can recover in a short amount of time. Others, however, face severe illness and even hospitalization. RSV can also cause lifelong respiratory problems. Even with the potentially drastic impact that RSV can have on children, however, it is not always taken seriously – and often mistaken for a cold.   

The Global Alliance for Patient Access recently hosted two virtual meetings for stakeholders, one in Europe and one in Latin America, to better understand the burden of RSV on infants, their families and health care systems. The discussion focused on several important issues, including lack of awareness, the need for increased education and barriers to care.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has elevated the important role that vaccines and immunizations can play in protecting populations across the globe from potentially preventable diseases. World Immunization Week now brings the global health community together in support of continued access to these important preventions.