With the recent measles outbreaks worldwide, and preliminary data from the World Health Organization (WHO), reporting a 300 percent rise in cases in the first three months of 2019, compared to the same time last year, there has been a renewed urgency to stress the importance of vaccinations. Every year, during the last week of April, WHO celebrates World Immunization Week, which “aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.’ This year’s theme is, “Protected Together: Vaccines Work.”
Measles is not the only preventable disease that has seen a resurgence lately due to either lack of access to vaccines or people refusing to vaccinate their children. There has also been outbreaks of diphtheria. Rubella and maternal neonatal tetanus are diseases for which there are vaccines, yet, they still have not been eliminated.
As part of this 2019 awareness campaign, the following are the objectives set forth by WHO and its partners:
- Demonstrate the value of vaccines for the health of children, communities and the world.
- Highlight the need to build on immunization progress while addressing gaps, including thorough increased investment.
- Show how routine immunization is the foundation for strong, resilient health systems and universal health coverage.
Learn the facts about vaccines that they are safe and have been rigorously tested before they are approved to be used in humans. Know that vaccines are not just for children. To discuss recommended immunizations to protect you, your family and the public, you may speak with a healthcare provider at any of our convenient Primary Medical Care Center community clinics, you may visit our website at www.primarymed.com, or call (305)751-1500 for our Miami-Dade clinic, or (954)289-0000 for our Broward clinic.
Source: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/world-immunization-week-2019/key-messages
https://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/measles-data-2019/en/