World Immunisation Day: An overview

November 10 was observed as World Immunisation Day. The objective was to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines in preventing deadly diseases and to highlight the critical role of immunisation in safeguarding global health and reducing child mortality. Issues like the need to strengthen vaccination programmes, vaccine hesitancy and access to vaccines are also highlighted on this day.

The value of vaccines

It is difficult to overestimate the transformative power and importance of vaccines which has saved millions of lives over the years by preventing the spread of deadly diseases. World Immunisation Day reminds everyone of the vital role vaccines play in protecting individuals as well as communities. A global call to action is reiterated on this day to increase awareness about vaccination, reduce vaccine-preventable diseases and ensure unrestricted access to these life-saving injections.

Vaccines: Powerful and potent

While everyone is aware of the power and positive impact of vaccines, not many are aware of how they work. It’s actually quite simple. They work by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognise and fight specific pathogens, like viruses or bacteria, without causing the disease itself. This is done by the introduction of a harmless component of the pathogen which prepares the immune system to defend if the actual pathogen ever surfaces.

Some of the deadliest diseases such as smallpox and polio are now things of the past thanks to vaccines. Other diseases like measles, rubella, and tetanus have also declined perceptibly as a result of widespread immunisation.

There is also a common fallacy that vaccines are primarily for children. That is far from the truth. Vaccines are also essential for adults, especially as immunity with age. As people age, booster shots for diseases like tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough are critical. Vaccines like annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines amply demonstrate how immunisation can quickly adapt to new and emerging health threats.

World Immunisation Day: More than just a special day

World Immunisation Day is more than just another day in the plethora of special days. It shines through as an opportunity to highlight the importance of vaccines in preventing disease and promoting health worldwide.

Unfortunately, even today, barriers to immunisation exist in many parts of the world. These include logistical issues, such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, misinformation about vaccine safety, and vaccine hesitancy. Another significant impediment is the lack of accessibility to vaccines in certain areas.

On World Immunisation Day, organisations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF spare no effort to increase awareness about the importance of vaccines and actively propagate the expansion of vaccination programmes to cover and reach every corner of the globe. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how quickly infectious diseases can spread across borders, making global vaccination efforts even more critical.

Protection. For everyone

Contrary to popular perception, vaccination is not just for oneself. It protects the recipient and also those who cannot be vaccinated due to old age, health issues or other factors. This is called herd immunity and it is extremely effective at preventing the spread of diseases, especially among the vulnerable sections of the population.

Today we have been witness to laudable progress in global immunisation efforts, but a lot remains to ensure vaccines reach everyone, everywhere. The benefits of vaccination are undeniable, and only through collective action can we ensure that these benefits reach everyone, creating a healthier world.

Immunise for immunity

Vaccination prevents a lot of suffering and saves lives at the same time. World Immunisation Day helps to drive home this fact along with helping eliminate diseases and improving global health. Governments, organisations and individuals have to step up to ensure vaccines are accessible to all, and that there is continued investment in the health and well-being of future generations.