Today is World Immunization Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines in protecting people of all ages against disease. Vaccines are one of the most successful public health interventions, saving millions of lives each year. They not only protect those who are vaccinated, but also help to prevent the spread of disease by protecting vulnerable populations, such as young children and the elderly. Today, there are vaccines available for a wide range of diseases, including polio, measles, and HPV. However, there are still many people who do not have access to these life-saving treatments. In honor of World Vaccination Day, let us commit to working together to ensure that everyone has access to the vaccines they need.
HISTORY OF VACCINATIONS
The first vaccine was developed by Edward Jenner in 1796. He noticed that milkmaids who had been infected with cowpox were immune to smallpox, which was a much more dangerous disease. He decided to test his theory by inoculating a young boy with cowpox, and then exposing him to smallpox. The boy did not contract smallpox, and Jenner’s experiment was considered a success. From there, vaccines began to be developed for other diseases like rabies, cholera, and yellow fever.
FIVE FACTS ABOUT VACCINATIONS
- Vaccinations are estimated to prevented approximately 10 million deaths globally each year.
- The vaccination rates for children in the United States are among the highest in the world, with more than 90% of children being vaccinated against some diseases.
- Despite high vaccination rates, outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases still occur in the United States. For example, there have been recent outbreaks of measles and whooping cough.
- Vaccine-related side effects are rare and most often mild, such as a sore arm or mild fever.
- Vaccinations are one of the most cost-effective public health interventions available, with each dollar spent on childhood vaccines estimated to save $10 in direct medical costs and $40 in indirect costs such as lost productivity.
HOW TO CELEBRATE WORLD IMMUNIZATION DAY
- Get your vaccinations up to date. Immunization Schedule.
- Get a vaccination record.
- Read “11 Facts About Vaccines.”
- Read, “Vaccines, The Myths and Facts.”
- Get the email newsletter at Immunize.org
- If you love the article image, purchase it on these fun products on Zazzle!
Note: If the above links do not direct you to the appropriate referral on the first try, return to the article and try again.
Do you have any ideas about how to celebrate this day? Please share them!
