Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible
Today marks the first day of World Immunisation Week (24 – 30 April 2025). Around the globe, health organisations are following the lead of the World Health Organisation to get the message out there that ‘Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible’.
Vaccines are one of humanity’s greatest achievements. Over the last 50 years:
- Essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives (i.e. six lives a minute, every day, for five decades!); and
- Account for 40% of the improvement in infant survival.
More kids live to see their first birthday now than at any other time in human history. The measles vaccine alone accounts for 60% of those lives saved.
So, what about closer to home?
Recently we’ve seen an increase in measles outbreaks in Australia, most commonly in:
- Unvaccinated adults (20 – 49 years old); and
- Under-vaccinated adults of the same age group (those who have not received the full dose of the measles vaccination).
Measles is a very serious disease that can lead to brain swelling, pneumonia, pregnancy loss and lasting disability. It is really easy to pass on – a single contagious person can infect up to 18 other people, and adults can easily pass it on to young ones (who are more likely to suffer serious complications).
Lucky, it is also preventable with the vaccine. The measles vaccine is:
- Safe;
- Highly effective (two doses offers 99% protection); and
- Recommended for children, adolescents and adults who have not yet had the full dose (especially those travelling, working in child or healthcare, or in long-term care/correctional facilities).
If you’re not sure if you’ve received the full dose of the measles vaccine, please come into clinic this World Immunisation Week to check.
While you’re at it, get us to see if your other shots are up to date – we’re heading into Flu Season, and it’s also important to keep your COVID-19 vaccinations to protect yourself and our community.
Stay safe, you mob!
More measles information is available here: https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/health-conditions-treatments/viral/measles
