World Immunization Week (24-30 April)
by Premier Hospitals | April 26, 2019 |
Immunization is the process of administering a vaccine that triggers the immune system to fight against infectious diseases. It is a powerful, safe, proven and effective shield. When vaccinated, a person comes in contact with the vaccine-preventable diseases, effectively protects himself and also allow them to avoid spreading to others. You can even have a healthy baby if you have a maternal vaccination during pregnancy.
What are the Vaccine-Preventable Diseases?
The WHO lists some diseases as life-threatening diseases as they can result in severe complications and even death, but vaccines are available to prevent them. The worldwide eradication of smallpox and polio are notable examples of how immunization can play a vital role in disease control. The following are some of the diseases listed by WHO:- Tetanus
- Pertussis
- Poliomyelitis
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Hepatitis B
- Influenza (includes H1N1)
- Pneumococcal infections
- Diphtheria
Purpose of World Immunization Week:
Every year World Immunization Week is celebrated globally in the last week of April. It is celebrated as per the WHO mandate, mainly to increase awareness and to highlight the combined action required to increase rates of immunization. It is also to make sure that every person is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.Theme 2019: Protected Together #VaccinesWork
This year’s theme is Protected Together, #Vaccines Work. The campaign of 2019 aims at promoting the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.2019 Campaign Objectives
The 2019 campaign aim is to raise awareness about the critical importance of full immunization throughout life. WHO and partners aim to:- Demonstrate the value of vaccines
- Highlight the need to build on immunization progress
- Address gaps through increased investment
- The outbreak that routine immunization is the foundation for strong, resilient health systems and universal health coverage.
Why Immunization Matters?
Immunization has been a fundamental strategy in achieving other health priorities, from controlling viral hepatitis to polio. It provides a platform for adolescent health and improves antenatal and newborn care. Immunization is one of the most successful and cost-effective health interventions as it saves millions of lives every year and prevents illness, disability and death resulting from vaccine-preventable diseases. Though it saves millions of lives every year, there are more than 19 million unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children in the world which put them at serious risk of these potentially fatal diseases. In India, approximately 62% of children in the age group 12-23 months were found to be fully immunized during NFHS-4(national family health survey 2015-2016). There was 84% drop in measles deaths worldwide, due to measles vaccination.About The Hospital:
Since the inception of Premier Hospital in 1991 till today, we have grown to unprecedented levels, due to our excellence in medical sciences and healthcare. Premier Hospital is the creation of Dr Mahesh Marda and when it was first established, was only a small, 30-bed hospital facility. Back then, we provided only secondary care to patients, but that certainly has changed in the present landscape.