For Every Generation, Vaccines Work
“World Immunisation Week” is observed from 24-30 April. Established in 2012, the event is observed in more than 180 countries. Adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly all benefit from timely immunisation. Vaccination prevents more than 30 diseases. The origin of vaccines reflects human ingenuity – from risky ancient practices to Jenner’s cowpox experiment and Pasteur’s laboratory breakthroughs. While vaccination is one of the most powerful and reliable ways to build immunity, the human body can also develop immunity. India is currently the world’s largest producer of vaccines, accounting for more than 60% of global supply, with the Serum Institute of India as the single largest producer by volume. WHO says that vaccine hesitancy, delay or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, has become one of the top ten threats to global health. Vaccine development is at an advanced stage for diseases like HIV, malaria, dengue, and respiratory syncytial virus. As UNICEF says, every child has the right to be protected from preventable diseases, and immunisation is one of the most effective health interventions.
Vaccines are Among the Most Powerful Innovations In the History of Public Health.
They Save Lives, Protect Communities, and Give Every Child a Chance to Thrive.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (Director-General, WHO)
WHO leads the observance of “World Immunisation Week” (24-30 April). Established in 2012, the event is observed in more than 180 countries and builds on earlier regional “Immunisation Weeks”. Vaccines are not just for children. Adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly all benefit from timely immunisation. Vaccination prevents more than 30 Diseases. The theme for this year’s observation highlights how vaccines have saved over 150 million lives in the past 50 years and continue to protect people of all ages. High vaccination coverage creates herd immunity, shielding vulnerable groups who cannot be vaccinated. Despite progress, millions of children in rural India remain incompletely vaccinated, leaving communities at risk.
Term “Vaccine”: Derived from vacca, Latin for cow, reflecting cowpox’s role in the discovery. The origin of vaccines reflects human ingenuity – from risky ancient practices to Jenner’s cowpox experiment and Pasteur’s laboratory breakthroughs. This legacy continues today, with vaccines standing as humanity’s strongest shield against infectious diseases. Vaccination is a lifelong shield, not a one-time childhood event. By choosing to vaccinate, families protect themselves and future generations, ensuring healthier communities and a safer world.
While vaccination is one of the most powerful and reliable ways to build immunity, the human body can also develop immunity. Immunity can come naturally (through infection), passively (from mother to child), or through vaccines. When someone recovers from an infection, their immune system “remembers” the pathogen and can fight it off faster if exposed again. But vaccination is the safest, most controlled, and most effective way to build immunity without risking the dangers of disease.
India is currently the world’s largest producer of vaccines, accounting for more than 60% of global supply, with the Serum Institute of India (Pune) as the single largest producer by volume. China and the US also have major vaccine industries.
India’s health policy increasingly encourages integration of modern immunisation with traditional practices, ensuring both immediate protection and long-term resilience. Ministry of Ayush promotes Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy alongside modern medicine.
WHO says that vaccine hesitancy, delay or refusal of vaccines despite their availability, has become one of the top ten threats to global health. It is driven by misinformation, safety concerns, cultural beliefs, and a lack of trust in institutions, and poses serious risks to public health by lowering vaccination coverage. In the US, vaccine hesitancy led to only ~50% people taking COVID vaccines.
Vaccine development is at an advanced stage for diseases like HIV, malaria, dengue, and respiratory syncytial virus. The development is at an advanced stage of clinical trials, with many using cutting-edge platforms such as mRNA.
Why a Week, not a Day: Many global health observances are marked on a single day, but immunisation is observed over a week. As immunisation is not a one-time act but a lifelong process, a week-long observance reflects its continuity and the need for repeated action. As UNICEF says, every child has the right to be protected from preventable diseases, and immunisation is one of the most effective health interventions.
Every child has the right to be protected from preventable diseases.
Immunisation is one of the most cost-effective health interventions in history.
UNICEF
Toons: Advika
Logs: M Sai Baba
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