The image depicts a syringe against a background of the globe of the earth.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). NIAM raises the awareness about why vaccines are important for people of all ages and how they can help prevent serious, sometimes deadly, diseases and illnesses. Immunisation is one of the biggest health successes of the last century. Some diseases that are caused by viruses can’t be cured with antibiotics. The only way to control them is by immunisation. With continued immunisation programmes, such diseases may no longer be a threat. There have already been some successful examples of immunisation bringing some diseases under control. Both smallpox and polio, which were once common in the UK, are no longer a threat. The WHO declared smallpox wiped out in December 1979 thanks to a focused effort to immunise against the disease across the world. It declared Europe free from polio in 2002. Immunization currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles. https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_1
The development of effective vaccines has led to a huge decrease in childhood deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) states: ‘The 2 public health interventions that have had the greatest impact on the world’s health are clean water and vaccines.’ Childhood vaccination forms an important part in securing long term health. Information on the vaccination schedule can be found here.
Vaccination became a major strategy in dealing with the COVID pandemic. Vaccinations were recognised as important because they not only protect the person who is receiving the vaccine, but they also help to keep diseases from spreading to others such as family, neighbours, classmates, coworkers, and other members of the community. Immunization was prioritised for those who are the most vulnerable to illness, such as infants, elders, and those with weakened immune systems. https://www.cbp.gov/employee-resources/health-wellness/august-national-immunization-awareness-month
LSHTM experts have been involved in many different aspects of the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic including undertaking vital research, delivering education and advice, and working on the frontline in healthcare settings and laboratories. Our COVID-19 response builds on LSHTM’s strong track record of responding to emergencies and major outbreaks. You can find more about LSHTM’s involvement and research here.
The Library collections contain print and online resources on the topic of immunization. Resources can be found by searching in the Library’s search tool, Discover. A selection of books on this topic are on display in the Library’s Reading Room.
