27th April to 3rd May 2025
Each year, the WHO European Region comes together to celebrate European Immunization Week (EIW), a pivotal initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of vaccines in safeguarding health and preventing the spread of dangerous diseases. This year, the theme is clear and powerful: “Immunization for all is Humanly Possible.” With this campaign, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to achieve high and equitable vaccination coverage to protect communities — both now and in the future.
The Power of Immunization: Prevent. Protect. Immunize.
Immunization remains one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against infectious diseases. Through this week-long celebration, the WHO and its partners, including UNICEF and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), work together to raise awareness about the life-saving benefits of vaccines. This initiative brings together governments, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the general public to emphasize that vaccines are key to keeping individuals and communities safe from diseases that can otherwise have devastating effects.
From April each year, European Immunization Week serves as a reminder of the immense impact immunization has had in reducing global disease burden, and the ongoing need for commitment to vaccination programs. However, the campaign isn’t just about raising awareness — it’s about ensuring that no one gets left behind in the efforts to protect public health.
This year’s activities will especially highlight the importance of collaboration with youth organizations and young professionals who are passionate about promoting the benefits of immunization.
Hepatitis B: The Silent Liver Killer
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that targets the liver, causing inflammation and sometimes permanent damage, including cirrhosis or liver cancer. What’s particularly concerning about Hepatitis B is its potential for chronic infection. While adults can often recover naturally from an acute infection, babies and young children are at a much higher risk of developing lifelong chronic Hepatitis B, leading to severe health complications later in life.
Hepatitis B is largely preventable with a vaccine. The vaccine offers 95% protection and has been a routine part of infant immunization programs in many countries for over 15 years, drastically reducing the number of new infections.
This means fewer people will develop liver cancer or cirrhosis in the future. For those at higher risk, like healthcare workers, vaccination is equally important.
HPV and Cervical Cancer: A Preventable Tragedy
Cervical cancer is one of the leading cancers among women globally, with the majority of cases caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Although most HPV infections don’t cause any symptoms and clear up on their own, certain strains of the virus can persist and lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and even the throat.
HPV vaccination is a powerful tool in preventing cervical cancer. It’s recommended for adolescents, ideally before they are exposed to the virus, to ensure maximum protection.
Regular screening also plays an important role in detecting any early signs of cancer, especially for women over 30, further supporting the need for combined vaccination and screening programs.
Measles: A Highly Contagious Disease on the Rise
Measles is an incredibly contagious virus that has been making a comeback in some parts of the world, including the WHO European Region. Before vaccines were introduced, measles caused widespread epidemics that led to millions of deaths each year. While the introduction of the measles vaccine has significantly reduced the number of cases, outbreaks still occur, especially in communities with low vaccination coverage.
Measles isn’t just a rash and fever — its complications can be severe and include ear infections, pneumonia, and even brain swelling.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles, with two doses of the vaccine providing lifelong protection for most people. To fully eliminate measles, a vaccination rate of 95% is needed across all populations. Only then can we ensure this potentially deadly disease is wiped out for good.
Why Immunization Matters Now More Than Ever
As we continue to tackle the challenges posed by diseases like Hepatitis B, HPV-related cancers, and Measles, European Immunization Week serves as an urgent reminder of the importance of vaccination in maintaining public health. Achieving high vaccination coverage isn’t just a goal — it’s a collective responsibility. It’s essential that we continue to prioritize immunization, ensuring that everyone, everywhere, has access to these life-saving vaccines.
The WHO’s European Immunization Week encourages not only the promotion of these vaccines but also a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable and underserved populations are not left behind. Vaccination is a human right, and no one should be excluded from the opportunity to live a healthier life.
Join the Movement: Protect Your Community Through Vaccination
Immunization isn’t just about individual protection — it’s about protecting everyone. By ensuring equitable access to vaccines, we are building stronger, healthier communities and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases for generations to come.
So, as we celebrate European Immunization Week 2025, let’s renew our commitment to immunization. Let’s talk about vaccines, raise awareness, and support efforts that will protect future generations. Together, we can make immunization for all a reality and continue to make our world a healthier, safer place for everyone.
Let’s Prevent. Protect. Immunize.
For more information visit the website.
Published in GI-Mail 04/2025 (English edition).
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