World Immunization Week 2022

Long Life for All

World Immunization Week 2022 – 24 to 30 April

World Immunization Week, celebrated in the last week of April, aims to highlight the collective action needed and to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease.

WHO works with countries across the globe to raise awareness of the value of vaccines and immunization and ensures that governments obtain the necessary guidance and technical support to implement high-quality immunization programmes. The ultimate goal of World Immunization Week is for more people – and their communities – to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

This World Immunization Week 2022 campaign page will be updated regularly in the lead-up to and during World Immunization Week.

A Long Life for All is not a promise, it’s an ambition.

Because everyone deserves a chance at a fulfilling life.

One where we’re free to pursue happiness.

And look back without wondering “What if?”.

Vaccines have been indiscriminately saving lives since 1796.

The first Smallpox immunization was a fightback against the disease.

For the first time, it gave everyone a chance.

And hundreds of vaccines later,

Across two and a quarter centuries.

Billions of people have lived longer lives.

Grown-up to become firefighters. Doctors. Musicians.

Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters.

Vaccines might not get credit for that first kiss.

That winning goal.

That special day.

That final hug.

But their worth isn’t just measured in doses given.

It’s in minutes given back.

And lives prolonged.

Vaccines provide opportunity and hope for all of us to enjoy a more fulfilling life.

And that’s something we should all be fighting for.

Vaccines, in the pursuit of a long life well-lived.

#LongLifeforAll

The History of Vaccines

Since at least the 1400s, people have looked for ways to protect themselves against infectious diseases.

From the practice of “ variolation ” in the 15th century to today’s mRNA vaccines, immunization has a long history.

Integral to that history has been the World Health Organization (WHO), whose global vaccine

drives through the 20th and 21st centuries have played such a crucial role in reducing serious illness.

For World Immunization Week, the WHO has teamed up with Google Arts & Culture and scientific

institutions from around the world to bring this history vividly to life with A Brief History of Vaccination. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/iwWBM_p0KsCMkA