For more than two centuries, vaccines have helped keep people healthy—from the very first vaccine developed to protect against smallpox to the newest vaccines used to prevent severe cases of COVID-19.
Since then, families and communities have entrusted vaccines to protect their loved ones. But the value of vaccines is measured by more than the number of doses given.
Vaccines provide everyone a chance at a fulfilling life. Each April, World Immunisation Week brings together people from around the world to highlight the importance of vaccines and how they protect people of all ages against many diseases, giving us the opportunity to pursue a life well-lived. This year’s campaign comes at an especially critical time as the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted essential health services, including routine immunisation, setting back progress by more than a decade. Unfortunately, millions of people are still missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines, making it urgent to catch up and reach those who have been missed.
The 2022 theme Long Life for All aims to unify people around the idea that vaccines make it possible for us to follow our dreams, protect our loved ones and live a long, healthy life.
For more information on the history of vaccination and the role that vaccines play in protecting generations of people around the world from disease, visit: WORLD IMMUNISATION WEEK 2022
If your child has missed out on any of their childhood vaccines for any reason, please contact your family doctor to arrange a catch-up.