World Immunisation Week 24-30 April

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Today marks the start of World Immunisation Week: Protecting health through vaccination.

World Immunisation Week, held annually in the last week of April, raises awareness of the vital role vaccines play in preventing disease and protecting public health.

Why vaccination matters

Vaccines protect against serious illnesses like measles, flu, and COVID-19. They’re not just for kids-adults also need boosters and seasonal shots. High vaccination rates help achieve herd immunity, shielding those who can’t be vaccinated.

At Meon Health Practice, we provide the following:

  • Seasonal vaccinations – flu and COVID-19 – eligibility may change over time.
  • Age specific vaccinations – Shingles, Pneumonia, RSV.
  • Pregnancy vaccinations – Pertussis and RSV – if not given in hospital.
  • Childhood vaccinations – 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year and 3 years 4 months. Once a child reaches school age then we liaise with the school aged immunisations team (SAIS) who do school vaccinations and home schooled children.
  • Catch up adult vaccinations/re-vaccination for those who have had transplants etc.
  • NHS Travel vaccinations and advice.

We also visit our care homes and housebound patients for their vaccines and hope to incorporate giving shingles and pneumonia in our visits soon.

Vaccines:

  • Protect everyone
  • Prevent illness and long-term health issues
  • Reduce the risk of outbreaks
  • Protect those who can’t be vaccinated through herd immunity

Vaccines save 2–3 million lives globally each year. UK vaccination programmes have nearly eliminated polio and diphtheria. Free vaccines are offered to those most at risk.

For more, visit NHS Vaccination Information.