World Immunization Day: Protecting Health, Preventing Disease

Immunization isn’t just about individual protection; it safeguards entire communities by preventing outbreaks. Every year, World Immunization Day serves as a reminder of the power of vaccines and immunizations and the ongoing need to ensure broad and equitable access for all.

The Need for Vaccine and Immunization Access

Improving access is crucial for health equity and global public health. Despite advancements in vaccine technology and distribution, barriers to immunization remain.

The CDC estimates that about 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year. But according to the World Health Organization, around 14.5 million children worldwide still miss out on essential vaccines annually, leading to millions of preventable deaths each year. This gap leaves communities vulnerable to diseases like measles, polio, and diphtheria, which can lead to significant health crises if not properly managed.

Know the Benefits

Vaccines and preventive monoclonal antibodies are two different types of immunization. Vaccines teach the body to produce antibodies to fight a specific disease, while preventive monoclonal antibodies introduce antibodies to fight off disease. While they function differently, they both serve the same purpose: protecting people from serious illnesses and diseases.

Advancements in vaccine and immunization development are helping save lives. Take respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for example, a common virus that affects nearly all children by the age of two. Infant RSV can lead to hospitalization and life-long health complications. But nirsevimab, a new, long-acting preventive monoclonal antibody has been shown to reduce the risk of severe RSV in infants by around 80%. Its efficacy prompted immunization campaigns around the globe, with Spanish health authorities finding that RSV immunization reduced infant hospitalization rates by close to 90% following their campaign.

Understanding the broad benefits of immunization is key to encouraging uptake and combating misinformation. Vaccines and immunizations not only prevent serious diseases, but they also reduce health care costs and protect vulnerable populations.

Addressing the Challenges

Vaccine hesitancy, misinformation and logistical challenges have complicated global immunization efforts, particularly with newer vaccines. Ongoing education and transparent communication are essential to help communities make informed decisions about vaccinations. By promoting accurate information, healthcare professionals and public health advocates can encourage immunization and debunk myths surrounding vaccines.

Take Action

Vaccines and immunizations are powerful tools, but increasing access and awareness requires collective effort. Supporting immunization programs and urging policymakers to prioritize vaccine distribution will help protect communities and strengthen public health systems.

Spread the word on social media using the #VaccinesWork. Join the conversation on 10 November 2024 and show your support for global vaccine and immunization access.