This year, World Immunization Week is April 24-30, 2018. The purpose of the week is to create awareness around the success of immunization and the important role it plays in the health and well-being of millions of people, worldwide. This year’s theme is “Protected together. #VaccinesWork”.
Immunizations save millions of lives and improve quality of life; they are safe and prevent illness and disability. They are considered one of the world’s most successful and cost effective health interventions. Immunizations help prevent people from falling into poverty due to medical costs. If the use of vaccines is stopped, diseases will return. Some of the diseases that are prevented by vaccines include:
- Pertussis
- Polio
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Haemophilus influenzae type B
- Hepatitis B
- Tetanus
- Diphtheria
Small pox has been eradicated. Polio maybe the next disease to be eradicated. 80% of the world’s children have been vaccinated against polio.
World-wide immunizations prevent 2-3 million deaths from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles.Vaccines prevent the spread of disease to the US from other countries through travel, trade and commerce.
