Herd immunity: how vaccinations have saved millions of lives and changed the history of medicine

Every year on 10 November, with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO), World Immunisation Day (World Immunisation Day) is observed. The main aim of this global health initiative is to raise public awareness of the critical importance of vaccination as the most effective method of preventing dangerous infectious diseases, saving lives and strengthening public health.

Vaccination is recognised as one of the greatest achievements in the history of public health. Thanks to the development and widespread introduction of vaccines, humanity has managed to completely eradicate smallpox and is close to eradicating polio, measles and tetanus.

The mechanism of action of vaccines and herd immunity

The principle of immunisation involves introducing into the body attenuated or inactivated fragments of the pathogen (antigens), which do not cause disease but stimulate the immune system to produce specific antibodies. Should the body subsequently encounter the actual virus or bacterium, it will quickly recognise and neutralise the threat.

Herd immunity is of particular importance for public health:

• Protecting vulnerable groups: When vaccination coverage in a community reaches 95 per cent, the spread of the infection is halted. This protects people who cannot be vaccinated due to serious medical contraindications, as well as infants.
• Outbreak control: High vaccination coverage prevents the occurrence of pandemics and reduces the burden on the healthcare system.
• Reducing mortality: According to the WHO, immunisation prevents between 2 and 3 million deaths worldwide each year from diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and measles.

The routine vaccination schedule and current challenges

In Ukraine, the National Immunisation Schedule provides for compulsory protection against 10 dangerous infections: tuberculosis, hepatitis B, whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection, measles, rubella and mumps. Most of these vaccinations are administered during childhood, although adults must receive booster doses for diphtheria and tetanus every 10 years.

The observance of World Immunisation Day serves as a reminder of the need to adhere to vaccination schedules, dispel myths about vaccination and ensure equal access to high-quality medicines for every citizen.

This material is intended solely for information and educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice or a diagnosis. If you require a vaccination or suspect you may be ill, please be sure to consult the relevant specialists — your GP or paediatrician.

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