World Immunization Week 2026 – April 24 to 30th
World Immunization Week takes place in the last week of April. It reminds us
how vaccines help protect people of all ages from serious diseases.
Vaccines are one of the best tools we have to keep people healthy. In the past 50
years, vaccines have saved more than
150 million lives. This happened because
people chose to protect themselves, their children, and their communities. That
equals about
6 lives saved every minute.
These choices matter. Health workers give vaccines. Parents bring their children to
clinics. Communities work together. Because of this, diseases like measles, polio,
and whooping cough are much less common.
Vaccines have helped more babies survive. In fact, infant survival has improved by
about
40%. Millions of children have also been protected from lifelong disabilities.
Today, more children grow up healthy and live longer lives. Which is why now
more than ever with measles outbreaks increasing in the United States to stay up
to date on your vaccination status. When more families choose the measles
vaccine, it also helps protect babies and others who are too young or too sick to
get vaccinated.
Vaccines protect us at every stage of life:
• Babies and young children:
Their immune systems are still growing, so they get vaccines early to
protect them from diseases like measles, polio, and hepatitis.
• Teens:
Booster shots help keep protection strong. Some vaccines also protect
against new risks, like HPV and meningitis.
• During pregnancy:
Vaccines help protect both the parent and the baby. Protection can pass to
the baby before birth.
• Adults and older adults:
As we age, our bodies need extra help fighting illness. Vaccines can protect
against flu, COVID-19, pneumonia, and shingles.
This year’s theme is:
“For every generation, vaccines work.”
Vaccines have protected families for many years—and they continue to protect us
into the future.
World Immunization Week 2026