What is World Immunisation Week?
World Immunisation Week, 24 to 30 April, is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in protecting individuals and communities from preventable diseases. This week-long event encourages people to get vaccinated and highlights the benefits of immunisation, such as reducing the spread of infectious diseases and saving lives.
The campaign aims to educate the public about the power of vaccines to help eradicate diseases, prevent epidemics, and protect vulnerable populations. During this week, health organisations, governments, and communities work together to ensure that vaccines are accessible to everyone, regardless of their location or financial situation.
History of World Immunisation Week
World Immunisation Week was first observed in 2012 by the World Health Organization (WHO) as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure that people all around the world, particularly children, have access to life-saving vaccines. The week serves as a platform to remind the global community of the critical role vaccines play in preventing a wide array of infectious diseases.
The WHO also works with various global health partners, such as UNICEF and national ministries of health, to roll out campaigns during the week, focusing on immunisation gaps and addressing challenges related to vaccine access.
How to Celebrate World Immunisation Week 2025
1. Get Vaccinated
The best way to celebrate World Immunisation Week is by ensuring you and your loved ones are up-to-date on your vaccinations. Whether it’s for children or adults, vaccines can protect you from preventable diseases like measles, polio, influenza, and even COVID-19.
2. Raise Awareness
Help spread the word by sharing information about immunisation on social media, at work, or within your community. You can use the hashtag #VaccinesWork to share posts, articles, and personal stories about the life-saving impact of vaccines.
3. Educate Your Community
Organise or participate in educational events that promote the importance of vaccination. Local health authorities, clinics, and schools can host seminars, webinars, and workshops to provide accurate information on the benefits of immunisation and address any concerns about vaccine safety.
4. Support Immunisation Campaigns
Donate to or volunteer with organisations working to increase access to vaccines in low-income or hard-to-reach communities. For example, organisations like GAVI, The Global Fund, and UNICEF are actively working to provide vaccines to children in developing countries.
5. Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Many countries use World Immunisation Week as an opportunity to launch or promote vaccination drives. Participate in local immunisation clinics or health campaigns, helping to ensure more people are vaccinated, particularly in underserved areas.
Why is Immunisation Important?
- Preventing Disease: Vaccines help protect individuals from serious diseases, including some that have historically caused widespread illness and death, like smallpox and polio.
- Herd Immunity: Widespread immunisation helps create herd immunity, which protects vulnerable groups such as infants, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems from contagious diseases.
- Global Health: Immunisation is one of the most effective ways to address health disparities and provide equitable access to healthcare.
- Cost-Effective: Vaccination is not only effective but also cost-efficient. By preventing the spread of disease, vaccines save healthcare systems significant amounts of money in terms of treatment and hospitalisation costs.
Vaccines protect us all
World Immunisation Week is a chance to remember how far we’ve come in fighting disease — and how far we can still go. Immunisations save lives, reduce suffering, and protect the most vulnerable. Let’s continue to support vaccine access, education, and trust in science, for the health of our communities and future generations.
