Date
Wednesday
Apr
23

April 23-30

National Immunization Awareness Week

Stay healthy and protect your loved ones by staying up to date on vaccinations during National Immunization Awareness Week!

Yearly Date
April 23
Type
Week
Category
Health
Country
Canada

Introduction

Get ready to protect yourself and your loved ones by celebrating National Immunization Awareness Week, which takes place from April 24-30! This important week has been recognized since 2011, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations for preventing diseases and promoting overall health. Did you know that vaccines have greatly reduced the prevalence of many deadly diseases? So let's take this opportunity to learn more about immunizations and how they benefit us all.

National Immunization Awareness Week Timeline

1974
World Health Assembly
The World Health Assembly initiated the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) worldwide to protect children from six vaccine-preventable diseases.
1988
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) started, marking a significant step towards immunization, drastically reducing polio cases worldwide.
1991
Measles Initiative
American Red Cross and its partners launched the Measles Initiative, demonstrating the global resolve for immunization against measles.
2000
GAVI Alliance Founded
The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) was founded to improve access to vaccines in poor countries.
2011
First Immunization Week
The first National Immunization Awareness Week was celebrated, aiming to educate the public about the importance of vaccination.
2020-21
COVID-19 Vaccination
Mass vaccination campaigns were rolled out globally in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the crucial nature of immunization.

How to Celebrate National Immunization Awareness Week

1

Get vaccinated

The best way to celebrate National Immunization Awareness Week is by actually getting vaccinated! Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or visit a local clinic to get up to date on your vaccinations.

2

Educate yourself and others

Take the time to learn about the importance of vaccinations and share that knowledge with others. Use social media, host a workshop, or simply have a conversation with friends and family about the benefits of immunizations.

3

Donate to a vaccination program

Support organizations that provide vaccinations to those in need by making a donation. This can help ensure that more people have access to life-saving immunizations.

4

Create an immunization awareness campaign

Use your creativity to design posters, flyers, or social media graphics to spread the word about the importance of vaccinations. You can even involve your community by organizing a walk or run for immunization awareness.

5

Celebrate healthcare workers

Take the time to thank healthcare workers who administer vaccinations and work to improve immunization rates. Bring them treats or write them a thank you note to show your appreciation for their hard work.

Why National Immunization Awareness Week is Important

A

Immunization saves lives

National Immunization Awareness Week highlights the importance of getting vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you from serious diseases. Vaccines have been proven to prevent numerous illnesses, and help to eradicate deadly diseases that once posed a major public health threat.

B

It promotes community immunity

When enough people in a community are vaccinated against certain diseases, it helps to not only protect those individuals, but also creates herd immunity. This prevents the spread of disease, even to those who are unable to be vaccinated due to medical reasons.

C

It raises awareness and educates the public

National Immunization Awareness Week provides an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of vaccines and debunk any misconceptions or myths surrounding them. It also reminds people to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and get booster shots if needed.

National Immunization Awareness Week Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 22
Saturday
2024
Apr 22
Monday
2025
Apr 22
Tuesday
2026
Apr 22
Wednesday
2027
Apr 22
Thursday