World Immunisation Week 2024: Date, Theme, History, and 5 Most Important Vaccines

World Immunisation Week (WIW) is an international health event that is usually observed from April 24 to 30. Its goal is to increase vaccination rates and shield people of all ages against infectious illnesses. The worldwide immunisation campaigns during the second half of the twentieth century are among humanity’s greatest achievements. Immunisation campaigns have made it possible to defeat polio, eradicating smallpox and guarantee that more children than ever before survive and thrive.

World Immunisation Week 2024 Theme

In 2024, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) of the World Health Organisation will commemorate its 50th anniversary with the theme “Humanly Possible” during World Immunisation Week.

World Immunisation Week History

In May 2012, the World Health Assembly, the body that makes decisions for the World Health Organization (WHO), approved World Immunisation Week. More than 180 nations took part in the inaugural World Immunisation Week, which was held in 2012. Before 2012, several parts of the world had different dates for Immunisation Week celebrations.

5 Important Vaccines For Children & Adults

Vaccination serves as one of the most effective means for parents to safeguard their newborns, youngsters and teenagers from sixteen potentially fatal diseases. Adults may also be more susceptible to diseases that can be prevented by vaccination because of their age, occupation, way of life, travel, or health issues.

1. Polio vaccinationThe polio vaccine is one of the series of childhood vaccinations that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises all children to receive to protect them against polio, also known as poliomyelitis. Children should receive the polio vaccination four times, according to the CDC. The following ages should receive one dosage each: two months, four months, six to eighteen months, and four to six years old.
2. Hepatitis BThe hepatitis B vaccination is advised for all people between the ages of 19 and 59 by the CDC. The vaccination is also advised for persons aged 60 and up who have hepatitis B risk factors. It is not suggested for anyone over 60 who has no recognised risk factors. However, if you fall into such a category, you can choose to have the hepatitis B vaccination. Hepatitis B is a condition that damages the liver.
3. Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap)Tdap is typically administered once at the age of 11 or 12. If you haven’t had the Tdap vaccination, the CDC advises scheduling one right away. It is advisable to provide a single dose of the Tdap vaccination around weeks 27 to 36 of every pregnancy. Tdap can shield you from respiratory complications caused by whooping cough (pertussis), lockjaw (tetanus) and diphtheria. It’s advised to have a booster every ten years.
4. Flu (influenza)Everybody six months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu every year, according to the CDC. Adults over the age of 50 should not receive the nasal spray influenza vaccination as serious consequences from the flu can occur in older persons.
5. BCGIt is required for Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Human papillomavirus, which is an illness that typically attacks the lungs, but it may also damage other organs such as the brain in newborns and young children. A serious case may result in death or other problems. When caught, tuberculosis is extremely difficult to treat; the course of therapy is extensive and not always effective.