World Immunization Day

History of World Immunization Day

The tradition of immunization dates back thousands of years. As early as the 11th century, Buddhist monks in China used to drink snake venom to attain immunity to snake bites and would also smear a tear in their skin with the cowpox virus to get immunity to smallpox.

Edward Jenner is deemed to be the founder of vaccinology. In 1796, he inoculated a 13 year-old-boy with vaccinia virus (cowpox) and showed how to attain immunity to smallpox. The first smallpox vaccine was developed in 1796. Following this, the smallpox vaccination was widely used around the world throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, resulting in the universal elimination of smallpox in 1979.

In 1897, another doctor, Louis Pasteur, worked with the cholera virus and was able to inoculate humans with the inactivated anthrax vaccine. As a result, cholera vaccination was developed.

The 20th century saw a great increase in the field of vaccine research and development. Numerous people were gaining immunity to diseases that were once life-threatening. Methods for growing viruses in the laboratory led to rapid discoveries and innovations, like the development of the polio vaccine. Researchers also developed vaccines for other diseases that affect children such as measles, mumps, and rubella.

Even though immunization programs have been shown to have considerable health benefits, a wave of legal proceedings surrounding vaccines began, resulting in a decrease in profits for vaccine manufacturers, ultimately leading to a decline in the number of companies producing vaccines. This anti-vaccine sentiment and decline in vaccine manufacturing was stopped partially due to the implementation of the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in the U.S. in 1986. However, it was not able to completely eradicate people’s mentality because anti-vaccination individuals still linger in vast numbers around the world.

World Immunization Day timeline

11th Century

Ancient Methods of Immunization

Buddhist monks in China drink snake venom to attain immunity to snake bites and smear a tear in their skin with the cowpox virus to get immunity to smallpox.

1796

Edward Jenner Develops the Smallpox Vaccine

Edward Jenner is regarded as the ‘father of vaccinology’ since he invented a method to achieve immunity to smallpox.

1980s

The Decline of Vaccine Production

A period of growing legal proceedings around vaccines results in a decline in the number of companies producing vaccines.

1986

The Anti-Vaccination Sentiment is Stalled

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in the U.S. is implemented which stops the decline of vaccine production.

World Immunization Day FAQs

When is World Immunization Day?

World Immunization Day 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 10. This annual observance is a global call to action to recognize the power of vaccines.

How many lives do vaccines save each year?

According to the World Health Organization, vaccines currently prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths each year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. This figure highlights the immense, ongoing impact of immunization programs.

What is the global vaccination coverage rate?

Global coverage for the third dose of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine, a key indicator, reached 84% of children in 2025. While significant progress has been made, millions of children still miss out on essential vaccinations.

What is 'herd immunity' and why is it important?

Herd immunity, or community immunity, occurs when a large percentage of a population is immune to a specific disease, providing indirect protection to those who are not immune. It’s crucial for protecting vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.

How to Observe World Immunization Day

Get your shots

Make sure you have been immunized to all the diseases on the vaccination list. Also, remember to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Maintain a healthy diet

Practicing a healthy diet can go a long way in maintaining good health. Meet a nutritionist and plan a good diet plan for yourself.

Raise awareness

Spread the message about getting vaccinated by sharing posts on social media. If you have recently been vaccinated, you can share the picture on Instagram with the hashtag # WorldImmunizationDay.

5 Facts About Vaccines That Will Amaze You

Vaccines save lives

Vaccines help prevent more than 2.5 million deaths every year.

Vaccines cause “herd immunity”

This means that if the majority of people have been vaccinated against a disease, then an unvaccinated person is less likely to get sick since the disease won’t be spread.

Vaccines helped reduce measles deaths

Vaccines helped reduce deaths due to measles across the world by 78% between the years 2000 and 2008.

99% reduction in the occurrence of meningitis

Since the vaccine in 1988, there has been a 99% reduction in the incidence of bacterial meningitis.

Some vaccines are given orally

Not all vaccines are given as shots, some are given orally as well.

Why World Immunization Day is Important

To live a long, healthy life

The purpose of immunization is to enable us to live a healthy lifestyle. It contributes to an increase in our average lifetime.

It improves our quality of living

Vaccines protect us from many diseases that can induce disability and decrease our quality of life.

To make the entire world safe

Getting immunized is not just for you, but it affects everyone around you as well. As an immune person, the people around you will not be under the threat of catching the disease.