Vaccination Week in the Americas 2024: Engage now to protect your future #GetVax. Final report

Abstract

Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) 2024 was celebrated across the Region of the Americas with a variety of initiatives aimed at increasing vaccination coverage, particularly in remote areas and among populations with limited access to health services. During VWA 2024, some 65 million vaccines were administered. Participation in VWA is flexible, allowing countries and territories to tailor their campaigns to local needs. In 2024, efforts focused on vaccinating health workers, pregnant individuals, children, youth and adolescents, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. Some countries and territories highlighted the political importance of vaccination, with high-level officials participating in their VWA events or multinational events held in border communities. Vaccines were administered against diseases like COVID-19, influenza, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, yellow fever, human papillomavirus, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, rotavirus, and other serious diseases that can cause significant harm or death for populations in the Region. Countries and territories utilized a variety of digital, print, and in-person platforms to sensitize their populations about the importance of vaccination at all stages of life, the risks of being unvaccinated, and how and when to access immunization services. Efforts were also made to counter misinformation and disinformation about vaccines and vaccination that could affect public perceptions of vaccine safety and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of individuals or their loved ones being vaccinated. This report highlights the regional VWA campaign, including the regional launch, communications materials, activities, and summaries of country and territory celebrations.