The last week in April is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as World Immunization Week. Its purpose is to raise public awareness of how immunization saves lives. Many events are held to encourage people to vaccinate themselves or their children against vaccine-preventable diseases.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization averts an estimated 2 to 3 million deaths every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have noted several important milestones which have already been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants worldwide.
It is easy to think of vaccine- preventable diseases as diseases of the past; or not happening in our country, but the truth is they can and do happen in the United States.
The World Health Organization encourages health partners to join the 2016 plan to help raise awareness about the importance of immunization.
Some key facts you need to know about the benefits of immunizations are:
- Immunization prevents illness, disability and death from cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus diarrhea, rubella and tetanus.
- Uptake of new and underused vaccines is increasing.
- An estimated 18.7 million infants worldwide are still missing out on basic vaccines.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of immunizations, please contact Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486 for an appointment.
For more information about World Immunization Week 2016, please visit
http://www.who.int/campaigns/immunization-week/2016/event/en/
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.