World Immunization Week

May 3, 2022, 6:24 pm

The last week of April is World Immunization Week – when we take time to recognize the vaccines that help protect people around the world and promote long life for all. Immunizations are invaluable for protecting us from vaccine-preventable diseases. This is especially important for diseases that have no cure, such as polio. The more people who get vaccinated against a disease, the closer we come to eliminating it. For example, smallpox has been eliminated due to widespread immunization efforts.

Here is a list of some of the top vaccine-preventable diseases:

Tetanus
Hepatitis B
Rabies
Measles
Rubella
Bacterial Meningitis
Human Papillomavirus
Cholera

And here are just some of the diseases that can be reduced and controlled with vaccines:

COVID-19
Influenza
Tuberculosis
Chicken Pox
Mumps
Typhoid
Diphtheria
Yellow fever

Ensuring that you and your family are up to date on vaccinations can help to keep you and your loved ones healthier and better protected from diseases like those listed above. According to the WHO, immunizations save up to 5 million lives every year.

How do you know which vaccines are recommended for you?

The best way to find out which vaccines you need, and to get vaccinated, is by visiting your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, you can reach a Member Services representative who can help you get started, either by phone or through our secure online chat feature in the lower right corner of your screen, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

The CDC offers a self-assessment tool for adults ages 19 and older to help people research which vaccines they may need. Access the Adult Vaccine Assessment Tool here. After answering a few questions, your results will tell you which vaccines are suggested for you and why, and then you can discuss your results with your doctor.

Click here for much more information about where, when, and why to get your immunizations, and how to get started, on HHS.gov.

Sources:

World Immunization Week 2022 - Long Life for All (who.int)

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (cdc.gov)

Vaccines and immunization (who.int)

Vaccines and Immunizations | USAGov