#VaccinesWorkforAll – World Immunization Week 2020

#VaccinesWorkforAll – World Immunization Week 2020

The theme for World Immunization Week 2020 is #VaccinesWorkforAll. The campaign centers around promoting the value of immunization worldwide and increase access to vaccinations for those at risk.

This week we celebrate an important campaign in the field of public health: Immunization! During the last week of April, we promote one of the world’s most powerful tools for good health – the use of vaccines to protect people against disease.

Every year, millions of lives are saved from immunizations. It is widely regarded as one of the most cost effective and beneficial health interventions. It prevents around 3 million deaths every year and protects children against diseases like polio and tetanus. It also protects children against pneumonia and rotavirus diarrhea, two of the biggest killers of children under 5.

However, according to the World Health Organization, about 20 million children worldwide have “missed out on lifesaving vaccines.” Unfortunately, many of those children being left behind are the most at risk. They live in some of the most poor countries and are in conflict-affected states. Some of these countries include Afghanistan, Haiti, Somalia, and Syria.

2020 Campaign Objectives

The WHO and partners strive to:

  • Educate people on current vaccines available to protect against disease
  • Encourage people to check their vaccination status
  • Address gaps and disparities in immunization access

Some Key Messages from WHO

  1. At all ages, vaccines save lives and keep us safe
  2. While most children today are being vaccinated, far too many are left behind
  3. 2020 is the Year of the Nurses and Midwives
  4. Everyone can be a vaccine champion
  5. Know the facts about vaccines.
  • Vaccines defend us against deadly diseases.
  • Two reasons to get vaccinated are to protect ourselves and to protect those around us.
  • All the ingredients in a vaccine help ensure they are safe and effective
  • It is important to get the vaccines you need – on time, every time.

For more on vaccine facts vs. myths, click here: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology

Immunization Matters

Vaccination is backed by extensive research and is one of the best ways to put a stop to the serious health effects of certain diseases. They are safe, highly effective, supported by every American medical society and government agency, and included in routine pediatric care. Therefore, vaccines are important to prevent disease. We must strive to provide parents with the facts. In order to do this, health care providers, policy leaders and faith leaders must support vaccination and only limit to those with medical reasons.

In the midst of our current COVID-19 pandemic, the race to create a vaccine for coronavirus is on in order to minimize the outbreaks occurring all over the world.

 

To read more about the campaign, click here: World Health Organization

 

To view campaign materials, click here World Health Organization Materials

 

 

  Jessica is an intern at Suwannee River AHEC. She is currently a senior completing her major in Microbiology and minor in Health Disparities in Society.
By |2020-04-22T15:23:28-04:00April 22nd, 2020|Categories: Education, Public Health|Comments Off on #VaccinesWorkforAll – World Immunization Week 2020
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