One Health

This week the World Health Organization celebrates World Immunization Week and the theme this year is "For every generation, vaccines work"!

Vaccines are one of public health's most important accomplishments. Since 1974, vaccines have saved about 150 million lives. There are over 30 life-threatening diseases and infections that are prevented by vaccines.

Unfortunately, sometimes in public health, things are so successful that people forget why they were needed in the first place. Decades ago, many people, especially children, died from illnesses that are barely around today thanks to vaccines.

Some healthy people think that they don't need vaccines. Sure, if they get an infection, chances are that they will be able to fight it off without too much of a problem. But getting vaccinated is about more than just protecting yourself, it's about protecting your community as well! Some people are not able to be vaccinated-young children, those with allergies, or those with compromised immune systems. By getting vaccinated, you can help prevent diseases from passing on to them.

Have you ever been driving along the mountains and seen the gaps in the trees that run up and down the mountain? Those are called firebreaks and they help to stop the spread of forest fires. If there is a fire spreading through the trees, it stops when it gets to that gap because there is no fuel to keep it going, protecting the next section of trees from catching fire. Vaccines work the same way! As a disease spreads through a population, those who are vaccinated act as a firebreak so it doesn't get passed on. It takes all of us to keep our community healthy!

Of course, it's also important to keep your pets up to date on their immunizations. This will keep them healthy as well as the humans around them!

This World Immunization Week, let's think about how far we've come thanks to vaccines and remind our friends and family as well! Are you doing anything to acknowledge this week at your organizations?

References:

https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-immunization-week/2026

------------------------------
Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH
Research Associate
Program for Pet Health Equity
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
------------------------------

Geat post, @Kaitlyn Andres-Celebrate World Immunization Week is the perfect reminder that vaccination is a cornerstone of One Health.

From a One Health perspective, vaccines don't just protect individuals-they help prevent the spread of disease across people, animals, and our shared environments. As highlighted by the World Health Organization (backed by science):

• What is vaccination?
  A safe, effective way to build protection against disease before exposure-critical for both human and animal populations.
  
  
• How do vaccines work?
  They train the immune system to recognize and fight harmful pathogens, reducing illness and limiting transmission across communities and species.
  
  
• Why should I get vaccinated?
  Vaccination protects you and helps protect others-including vulnerable people and animals-by reducing the spread of infectious diseases.
  
  
• When should I vaccinate?
  Following recommended schedules ensures timely protection. This applies to both people and pets to prevent outbreaks.
  
  
• What diseases do vaccines prevent?
  In humans: measles, flu, COVID-19, polio, and more.
  In animals: diseases like rabies, which is a key One Health example because it can spread between animals and humans.
  
  
• Who can get vaccinated?
  Most people and animals, with guidance from healthcare providers and veterinarians when needed.
  
  
• What's in a vaccine?
  Carefully tested ingredients that safely trigger an immune response and build protection.
  
  
• Is it safe to receive multiple vaccines at once?
  Yes-this is standard practice in both human and veterinary medicine to ensure comprehensive, timely protection.

Learn more from WHO:
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/vaccines-and-immunization-what-is-vaccination

For U.S. pet vaccination guidance, the American Animal Hospital Association provides trusted recommendations:
https://www.aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/vaccination-canine-configuration/vaccination-canine/

Protecting human and animal health together is what One Health is all about-thanks for helping highlight its importance this week.

------------------------------
T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Center for Pet Family Well-Being
------------------------------