Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

Primary Immunodeficiency Month – April 2024

Primary Immunodeficiency Month is observed in April. This holiday is intended to raise awareness of primary immunodeficiency disorders (PIDDs). PIDDs affect thousands of people, however, the general public does not have in-depth knowledge of this disorder. The study of PIDDs helps doctors in developing treatments for these rare genetic diseases, which are often chronic, costly, and debilitating. However, without public support and awareness, these efforts will be limited — as research requires funding and a level of interest from the public. When it comes to health issues, community-driven initiatives can make a difference. This is why we observe Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month.

History of Primary Immunodeficiency Month

Organizations such as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) have been studying PIDDs since the 1970s. Researchers have spent decades investigating the causes of these disorders as well as the health complications they cause for patients and their families. The goal has always been to prevent PIDDs, improve diagnosis, and develop new treatment methods. Recent research has focused on the role of genetic counseling in the treatment of these disorders.

The earliest-known examples of PIDDs date back to the 1920s and 1930s, but it wasn’t until the 1950s that our understanding of this disease began to expand. In 1970, the World Health Organization (WHO) identified 16 different types of PIDDs. This figure had risen to 50 by the late 1990s. Throughout the 2010s, advances in D.N.A. sequencing technology resulted in the rapid discovery of novel genetic causes of PIDDs. Doctors also started experimenting with the clinical application of gene addition strategies, to help treat PIDDs.

The spectrum of PIDDs continues to expand as the scientific community learns more about them, increasing the demand for doctors from all disciplines to become acquainted with these disorders. A patient presenting symptoms of a disease or allergy may be suffering from an immunodeficiency disorder. Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month is important not only for the general public but also for the medical fraternity. The more medical professionals who are aware of PIDDs, the more patients will benefit from their knowledge and understanding of these rare genetic conditions.

Primary Immunodeficiency Month timeline

1952
Discovery of Immunodeficiency Diseases

Colonel Ogden Bruton notes the absence of immunoglobulins in a child with a history of susceptibility to infections, terming this condition ‘agammaglobulinemia.’

1958
The Second Immunodeficiency Disorder Case

Swiss doctors discover similar patients and recognize their condition is immunodeficiency, coining the term ‘Swiss-type agammaglobulinemia.’

1969
The Founding of the I.U.I.S.

The International Union of Immunological Societies (I.U.I.S.) is founded, acting as a governing body for several immunological societies worldwide.

2014
Different Categories

The I.U.I.S. splits immunodeficiency disorders into nine categories, with a system defined on the type of immune defect.

Primary Immunodeficiency Month FAQs

How long can you live with immunodeficiency?

With proper management and care, life expectancy for persons with immunodeficiency can exceed 50 years.

What is the difference between autoimmune and immunodeficiency?

An autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks healthy cells, organs, and tissues in the body, while an immunodeficiency is an impairment of the immune system.

Is immunodeficiency the same as immunocompromised?

If your immune system is unable to fight off an infection, you may be immunocompromised.

How to Observe Primary Immunodeficiency Month

  1. Become a volunteer

    Volunteering is an excellent way to make a difference in the primary immunodeficiency community. You can help a fundraising project by becoming a volunteer and using your networks and social media. Peer support programs are also available to assist people who are personally affected by immunodeficiency disorders.

  2. Donate your plasma

    Plasma donations are used in the treatment of immunodeficiency disorders. To treat one patient for a year, approximately 130 plasma donations are required. Learn more about the requirements so you can help people affected by this disorder during Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month.

  3. Spread the word

    This month presents an opportunity to educate others on primary immunodeficiency. You can do this by distributing materials to schools, clinics, and other locations. This way you create an understanding of immunodeficiency disorders. It never hurts for people to be more informed about the issue.

5 Crucial Facts About Primary Immunodeficiency

  1. An increased likelihood of autoimmune disorders

    Since your immune system also protects your body from cancer, people with primary immunodeficiency are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders.

  2. Men are the most affected

    Approximately 60% of people with primary immunodeficiency disorders are men.

  3. Cancer can cause immunodeficiency disorders

    When cancer affects the bone marrow, it can impair the production of healthy white blood cells, resulting in a weakened immune system.

  4. There are hundreds of immunodeficiency disorders

    There are over 400 different types of immunodeficiency disorders that affect different parts of the immune system as of 2019.

  5. Primary immunodeficiency affects thousands of Americans

    Around 500,000 people in the U.S. have a primary immunodeficiency disease.

Why Primary Immunodeficiency Month is Important

  1. It raises awareness

    Primary immunodeficiency is a relatively unknown condition that affects a large number of people. During this month, people will learn more about it. The more information that is available about it, the better it is for people who suffer from it.

  2. It creates a positive environment

    People with immunodeficiency disorders are recognized during this holiday. Knowing you're not alone in your struggle can provide you with the motivation you need to keep going. The attention and support provided during this holiday season contribute to the creation of a positive environment for people suffering from this disorder.

  3. It helps with fundraising and donations

    Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month contributes to the cause by raising funds. Many organizations hold raffles, tournaments, and even carnivals to raise funds for immune deficiency research and treatment.

Primary Immunodeficiency Month dates

YearDateDay
2024April 1Monday
2025April 1Tuesday
2026April 1Wednesday
2027April 1Thursday
2028April 1Saturday
Be Kind to Spiders Week
Blue Ribbon Week
Golden Rule Week
International Pooper Scooper Week
Laugh at Work Week
Medication Safety Week
National Bake Week
National Cancer Registrars Week
National Public Health Week
National Window Safety Week
Take Your Poet to School Week
Testicular Cancer Awareness Week
April Fools' Day
Assyrian New Year
Boomer Bonus Days
Community Garden Week
Cyprus National Holiday
Dyngus Day
Easter Monday
Edible Book Day
Fossil Fools Day
International Fun at Work Day
International Tatting Day
Library Snap Shot Day
Lupus Alert Day
Martyrdom of Imam Ali
Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month
Myles Day
National Connor Day
National Fun Day
National Greeting Card Day
National Loyal Day
National One Cent Day
National Sourdough Bread Day
National Trombone Players Day
Nature Day
Nickelodeon Anniversary Celebration Day
Odisha Day
Reading is Funny Day
St. Stupid Day
Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action
U.S. Air Force Academy Day
U.S. Air Force Academy Day
White House Easter Egg Roll
Adopt a Ferret Month
Adopt a Greyhound Month
Arab American Heritage Month
Autism Acceptance Month
Bowel Cancer Awareness Month
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month
Cancer Control Month
Canine Fitness Month
Celebrate Diversity Month
Cesarean Awareness Month
Child Abuse Awareness Month
Children and Nature Awareness Month
Counseling Awareness Month
Couple Appreciation Month
Cranberries and Gooseberries Month
Deaf History Month
Defeat Diabetes Month
Distracted Driving Awareness Month
Dog Appreciation Month
Earth Month
Emotional Overeating Awareness Month
Fair Housing Month
Filipino Food Month
Financial Capability Month
Financial Literacy Month
Fresh Florida Tomato Month
Genocide Awareness Month
Global Astronomy Month
Global Child Nutrition Month
Grange Month
Heartworm Awareness Month
IBS Month
Informed Women Month
International Amateur Radio Month
International Customer Loyalty Month
International Guitar Month
Jazz Appreciation Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Month of the Military Child
Move More Month
Multicultural Communications Month
Multiple Birth Awareness Month
National African-American Women's Fitness Month
National Alcohol Awareness Month
National BLT Sandwich Month
National Car Care Month
National Card and Letter Writing Month
National Decorating Month
National Donate Life Month
National Facial Protection Month
National Food Month
National Foot Health Awareness Month
National Fresh Celery Month
National Frog Month
National Garlic Month
National Grilled Cheese Month
National Humor Month
National Internship Awareness Month
National Kite Month
National Knuckles Down Month
National Literature Month
National Minority Health Month
National Month of Hope
National Pecan Month
National Pest Management Month
National Pet First Aid Awareness Month
National Poetry Month
National Rebuilding Month
National Safe Digging Month
National Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
National Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Education and Awareness Month
National Sjogren's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Social Security Month
National Soft Pretzel Month
National Soy Foods Month
National Volunteer Month
National Welding Month
National Woodworking Month
National Youth Sports Safety Month
Occupational Therapy Month
Panagyaman Rice Festival
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parkinson's Awareness Month
Parliamentary Law Month
Pharmacists War on Diabetes Month
Physical Wellness Month
Poetic Earth Month
Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Primary Immunodeficiency Month
Records and Information Management Month
Records and Information Management Month
Rosacea Awareness Month
Sarcoidosis Awareness Month
School Library Month
Scottish-American Heritage Month
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Sports Eye Safety Awareness Month
Step up for 30 For Bowel Cancer Month
STI Awareness Month
Straw Hat Month
Stress Awareness Month
Summer Tire Changeover Month
SunSmart Skin Cancer Prevention
Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
Tomatillo and Asian Pear Month
Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
Workplace Conflict Awareness Month
World Autism Month
World Landscape Architecture Month
Worldwide Bereaved Spouses Awareness Month

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.