This World Immunization Week (24th – 30th April), Encephalitis International aims to raise both the public and healthcare professional understanding of the the critical importance of completing full vaccination schedules.
Many vaccines designed to prevent infectious diseases—including those that can lead to encephalitis (e.g., Japanese encephalitis, tick-borne encephalitis, measles, mumps and rubella)—require completion of their courses to offer full protection. Evidence from healthcare partners and recent academic studies shows concerning drop-off rates between first, second, third, and booster doses of many rout
ine vaccines. This trend leaves individuals, families, and communities vulnerable to preventable illnesses and outbreaks.
World Immunization Week: Why Every Dose Matters
By Dr Ava Easton MBE, Encephalitis International
Each year, World Immunization Week (24th – 30th April) is an important moment to pause and reflect on one of the most effective tools we have in global health: vaccines. In my work with Encephalitis International, I have seen first-hand how devastating brain infections can be, not just in the acute phase, but in the months and years that follow.
Prevention is always better than cure, and in many cases of encephalitis, prevention is possible. However, there is a critical point that is often missed: starting a vaccination schedule is not enough. Just as we are advised to complete a full course of antibiotics to properly treat a bacterial infection, vaccines also need to be completed to provide full and lasting protection. To be properly protected, vaccination schedules must be completed.
Full blog on Psychology Today site.
Why Completing Your Vaccination Schedule Matters? Podcast with Prof Lance Turtle
In this podcast episode we explore why completing your full vaccination schedule is important for protecting against infectious diseases and encephalitis.
Prav Prathapan, from Encephalitis International, is joined by Prof Lance Turtle, an expert in infectious diseases, who explains how vaccines work, why multiple doses matter, and the risks of stopping just after one shot. Learn how vaccines not only protect individual, but also help reduce the global burden of these infectious.
You can support our work for free by joining our mailing list
By joining our community we have strength in numbers – this helps us get funding and shows our impact to organisations like the World Health Organization – plus you get to stay up to date with the latest research, events and news!
