World Immunisation Week, 24-30 April 2016

Immunisation is the process whereby a person is made immune or resistant to an infectious disease, typically by the administration of a vaccine. Vaccines stimulate the body’s own immune system to protect the person against subsequent infection or disease. World Health Organisation (WHO)

Image: WHO

This year's World Immunisation Week (24-30 April) focuses on "Closing the Immunisation Gap - Immunisation for all throughout life." The WHO, who coordinate the annual campaign, have created a campaign toolkit to help raise awareness on this theme: Close the Immunisation Gap Toolkit

How much do you know about Immunisation? Some of the myths and facts about vaccination are answered in Q&A format here
If you would like to test your knowledge on immunisation you can take this short Quiz
Some of these fact sheets may help improve your score:
Fact sheet on immunisation coverage
Fact sheet on measles
Fact sheet on rubella
Fact sheet on poliomyelitis

Why strengthening Immunisation Systems matters?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 130 million infants are born around the world each year. Protecting these newborns from vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) requires an organized, accessible, and well-functioning immunisation program. Strengthening our Immunisation Systems, the infrastructure that supports this global exercise and the awareness campaigns all contribute to improving world health.

Image: CDC

Training materials for best practice in Immunisation The training and upskilling of staff working in immunisation is one of the most important factors in enhancing immunisation performance and effectively introducing new vaccines, technologies, practices and policies. There are a wide variety of materials for professional practitioners available through the WHO website here, and these materials are also relevant for those working in support areas, in community contexts and other healthcare environments. 

Studying Immunisation at the RCSI Library

Our Library collections hold a wide range of materials on immunisation which can be accessed through the 'Clinical Summaries' section on the Library Website.  Full text articles on vaccination and immunology are available through our Clinical Key and UpToDate electronic resources.

For further information you can check out Global Health Links on RCSI Library Website.

Ireland immunisation facts links are available at:
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/othersites/