More than 20 potentially fatal diseases, including COVID-19, can now be prevented thanks to immunization. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers vaccines essential and a key component of global health security.
The power and importance of vaccines have been historically demonstrated. For this reason, and within the scope of World Immunization Week—celebrated from April 23 to 30—Pfizer Latin America organized a virtual forum to advocate for the use of vaccines and help prevent and protect people of all ages from deadly, infectious, viral, or chronic diseases.
In his opening message, Carlos Murillo, regional president of Pfizer Latin America, commented, “We are witnessing one of the largest immunization campaigns in history, yet challenges remain. They are enormous in terms of vaccination, as there are many other diseases we can prevent to save millions of lives.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the number of people immunized against other diseases. It is estimated that, in the past two years, the vaccination coverage rate in the region has dropped from 86% (2019) to less than 50% (2021). This has resulted in nearly three decades of progress being reversed for diseases like polio and measles. Vaccination coverage for other childhood diseases has also decreased, and diphtheria and yellow fever threaten to resurge unless countries take urgent measures.
Scope of COVID-19 Vaccines
The forum highlighted how the past two years have shown the extent of innovation and scientific advancements worldwide. On one hand, a historic vaccination campaign has been implemented, allowing the administration of 11.4 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines in 184 countries, covering 58.8% of the population with a complete vaccination regimen.
Dr. Carlos Torres added, “Vaccine-preventable diseases have the potential to cause outbreaks in the community, epidemics, or pandemics. The consequences of this transmission to the population, in terms of costs, deaths, and suffering, impact everyone, particularly in systems like ours, where health is a public and collective good. This is why vaccination, along with antibiotics and clean drinking water, are the three measures that have nearly doubled life expectancy in the last 150 years.”
Myths and Realities
“Disinformation about vaccines has prevented many people from making informed, evidence-based decisions to protect their health, while also endangering public health by promoting the resurgence of diseases that are already controlled, eradicated, or close to being eradicated,” emphasized Dr. Julia Spinardi.
She reminded us that within just one year, vaccines and mass immunization managed to control a pandemic with 80% to 95% efficacy in preventing infections and over 70% efficacy in preventing virus transmission.
Finally, experts concluded that the past two years have shown the importance of prioritizing health above all else and continuing to support immunization and science.
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From the virtual forum and statement by Pfizer LatAm, “The Power of Vaccines: From Saving 5 Lives per Minute to Representing the Future of Medicine,” Mexico City, April 26, 2022.