World Immunization Week 2021

Immunisation is a world-class health and development success story that saves millions of lives every year. Vaccines reduce the risk of disease by working with the body's natural protective capacity to create protection. When you receive the vaccine, the immune system reacts.

We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life-threatening diseases by helping people of all ages live longer, healthier. Immunisation currently prevents 2-3 million deaths from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

Immunisation is a key component of primary health care and unquestionable human rights. It's also one of the best health investments you can buy. Vaccines also play a key role in preventing and controlling outbreaks of infectious diseases. They are the foundation of global health safety and will be an essential tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Despite the huge progress, too many people around the world - including nearly 20 million infants each year - are insufficiently available for vaccines. In some countries, progress has stalled or even changed, and there is a real risk that complacency undermines past achievements.

The worldwide coverage of vaccination - the proportion of children in the world who receive the recommended vaccines - has remained stable in recent years.