24 – 30 April 2019
nnnnTheme: #VaccinesWork
nnnnWorldnImmunization Week – celebrated in the last week of April – aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all agesnagainst disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and isnwidely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effectivenhealth interventions. Yet, there are still nearly 20 million unvaccinated andnunder-vaccinated children in the world today.
nnnnThe thementhis year is Protected Together:nVaccines Work!, and the campaign will celebrate Vaccine Heroes from aroundnthe world – from parents and community members to health workers and innovatorsn– who help ensure we are all protected through the power of vaccines.
nnnnVast progress but fragile gains.
nnnnIn 2017,nthe number of children immunized – 116.2 million – was the highest evernreported. Since 2010, 113 countries have introduced new vaccines, and more thann20 million additional children have been vaccinated.
nnnnButndespite gains, all of the targets for disease elimination—including measles,nrubella, and maternal and neonatal tetanus—are behind schedule, and over thenlast two years the world has seen multiple outbreaks of measles, diphtheria andnvarious other vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the children missing outnare those living in the poorest, marginalized and conflict-affectedncommunities.
nnnnIn ordernfor everyone, everywhere to survive and thrive, countries must intensifynefforts to ensure all people receive the lifesaving benefits of vaccines.nAdditionally, those countries that have achieved or made progress towards thengoals must work to sustain the progress they have made.
nnnn2019 campaign objectives
nnnnThe main goal of the campaign is to raisenawareness about the critical importance of full immunization throughout life
nnnnAs part ofnthe 2019 campaign, WHO and partners aim to:
nnnnDemonstratenthe value of vaccines for the health of children, communities and the world.
nnnnHighlightnthe need to build on immunization progress while addressing gaps, includingnthrough increased investment.
nnnnShow hownroutine immunization is the foundation for strong, resilient health systems andnuniversal health coverage.
nnnnWhy immunization matters?
nnnnExpandingnaccess to immunization is vital for achieving the Sustainable DevelopmentnGoals, poverty reduction and universal health coverage. Routine immunizationnprovides a point of contact for health care at the beginning of life and offersnevery child the chance at a healthy life from the earliest beginnings and intonold age.
nnnnImmunizationnis also a fundamental strategy in achieving other health priorities, fromncontrolling viral hepatitis, to curbing antimicrobial resistance, and providingna platform for adolescent health and improving antenatal and newborn care.
nnnnKey messages
nnnnWe neednthe help of all heroes everywhere to reach the 1 in 10 kids who still do notnhave access to vaccines.
nnnnAt allnages, vaccines save lives. They protect our children and they protect us all asnadults.
nnnnVaccinesnmean lives lived – they mean a brighter future for our children and theirs toncome.
nnnnWe cannensure vaccines reach the people that need them most. You can be a vaccinenhero.
nnnnEnsure youn& your family are vaccinated on time, every time
nnnnTravelling?nKnow before you go – ensure your family’s vaccines are up to date.
nnnnBe anvaccine champion – Talk to people about the benefits of vaccines. Vaccines savenlives, help children learn & grow, & prevent serious illness &ndisability.
nnnnKnow thenfacts. Any licensed vaccine has been rigorously tested before use to make surenit is safe and effective for you and your family.
nnnnHealthnworkers: Every check up is an opportunity to check in on vaccination, for ✓nchildren, ✓ youth, ✓ adults, ✓ the elderly
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