World Immunization Week is held every year from 24 to 30 April to promote the use of vaccines that protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. Coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO) across its member states, it brings together governments, health professionals and communities to highlight the impact of immunization and the importance of completing vaccine schedules.
Why it matters
Vaccination is recognised as one of the most cost-effective public health measures, helping to prevent illness, disability and death from diseases such as measles, polio, diphtheria and tetanus. When immunization coverage drops, outbreaks of previously controlled diseases can return and put infants, children and vulnerable adults at higher risk. World Immunization Week reminds families and health systems to keep routine vaccines up to date and to restore coverage where it declined during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
History
Immunization campaigns have grown steadily since the mid-20th century as new vaccines were developed and introduced into national programmes. The World Health Organization and partners established World Immunization Week to align earlier regional immunization days into a single global observance during the last week of April, creating a common platform to advocate for stronger routine immunization, introduce new vaccines and support countries in reaching underserved communities.
Key facts
Common conditions
- vaccine-preventable diseases
- measles
- polio
- diphtheria
- tetanus
- childhood infections
- some adult infections
Who is most affected
- infants and young children
- pregnant women
- people with weak immunity
- communities with low coverage
- families in hard-to-reach areas
What you can do
- check vaccination cards
- follow national immunization schedules
- attend EPI sessions on time
- support awareness campaigns
- share accurate information about vaccines
In Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, World Immunization Week highlights the successes and priorities of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which offers free routine vaccines against more than ten diseases through community clinics and outreach centres. Government agencies, development partners and NGOs use the week to organise special campaigns, community meetings and media messages that encourage parents to complete their children’s vaccines and help maintain high coverage across urban and rural areas.
Frequently asked questions
- When is World Immunization Week observed?
- World Immunization Week is observed every year from April 24 to 30 to promote vaccines and routine immunization against preventable diseases.
- Why is World Immunization Week important?
- The week highlights that vaccines are one of the most cost-effective public health tools, reminds families to keep vaccine schedules up to date and supports countries in restoring and strengthening immunization coverage.
- What is Bangladesh’s EPI programme?
- The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) is Bangladesh’s national initiative that provides free routine vaccines against multiple diseases to children and other target groups through community clinics and outreach centres nationwide.