The big catch-up

celebrated in the last week of April (24 to 30 April 2023), aims to highlight the collective action needed to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. The ultimate goal of world immunisation week is for more children, adults and their communities to be protected from vaccine-preventable diseases, allowing them to live happier, healthier lives.

For more than two centuries, vaccines have helped keep people healthy from the very first vaccine developed to protect against smallpox to COVID-19 vaccines. Since then, families and communities have entrusted vaccines to protect their loved ones. But the value of vaccines is measured by more than the number of doses given.

Each April, world immunisation week brings together people from around the world to highlight the importance of vaccines and how they protect people of all ages against many diseases, giving us the opportunity to pursue a life well-lived.

This year's campaign comes at a critical turning point for immunisation. After over two years of immunisation backsliding caused by COVID-19 pandemic disruptions, we must catch-up, restore and strengthen immunisation services to reach the millions of people missing out on the life-saving benefits of vaccines and stop outbreaks from accelerating. 

In recognition of this historic moment for immunisation, world immunisation week 2023 will mark the beginning of a year-long campaign with the theme 'The Big Catch-up,' representing a global push to vaccinate millions of children and return to pre-pandemic vaccination levels. 

Under the banner of 'The Big Catch-Up', World Health Organisation (WHO) is working with partners to support countries to get back on track to ensure more people are protected from preventable diseases.