Did you know you can take #VaccinAction today? Protect yourself and your community
Vaccines play a vital role in preventing diseases that can lead to severe health complications. They safeguard not only individuals but also families, friends, communities, and healthcare systems from a wide range of infections, including influenza, COVID-19, meningitis, pneumococcal diseases, rubella, and hepatitis.
Why Vaccination Matters
Vaccination is essential beyond just combating COVID-19. For instance, did you know:
- Rubella infections result in miscarriage for roughly 1 in 5 pregnant women, with 9 out of 10 babies born to mothers infected early in pregnancy suffering from congenital rubella syndrome, causing deafness, heart defects, and learning difficulties.
- Diphtheria leads to death in 1 out of every 10 adults who contract it and can cause organ damage, suffocation, and permanent skin damage.
- 20% of people with meningococcal disease face irreversible health issues like neurological impairments and amputation.
- Influenza affects approximately 10-30% of Europe's population annually, leading to hundreds of thousands of hospitalisations.
- Pneumococcal infections are a leading cause of communicable disease morbidity and mortality, especially in young children and the elderly, and many of these infections are vaccine-preventable.
Despite the proven effectiveness of vaccines, misinformation and sensationalist stories have eroded public trust in healthcare systems and vaccination. Conspiracy theories and unreliable sources have led many to miss out on essential vaccinations, putting themselves and others at risk. Simultaneously, policies and health systems are not fulfilling their commitment to care for all, with many people across Europe facing inequitable access to vaccination.
Addressing Inequities in Vaccination
Our new social media series, developed in the framework of the VaccinAction 2024 project, addresses vaccinATION inequities faced by minority groups, including refugees and mobile populations, often overlooked in national plans. In collaboration with 18 of our Active Citizenship Network (Cittadinanzattiva, ACN) organisations across 12 European countries, we highlight the importance of inclusive healthcare policies and ensuring vaccines are accessible and affordable for everyone, including the often missed third of Europe’s population - border region residents.
Combating Misinformation
Misinformation about vaccines is a significant barrier to achieving widespread immunisation – with this campaign, we are looking to bust some well-established myths. We urge people to rely on trusted sources for health information to protect themselves and their families. We also look at how we can expand national and EU-wide vaccination plans, for example addressing the significant vaccine access issues faced by refugees, non-EU workers, and prisoners.
Join the #VaccinAction Movement
The Active Citizenship Network unites patient-focused organisations across Europe to drive policy change in vaccination, tackle health inequities, and combat vaccine hesitancy. By watching, sharing, and engaging with our content, you can help us debunk vaccine myths, raise awareness of vaccine inequities, and support a healthier and more equitable future for all.
If you're interested, curious, or concerned about vaccinations, consult your doctor and verify your #Vaxfacts through the European Vaccination Information Portal.
Vaccines and your immunity work better together. Stay informed and protected. Take #VaccinAction today!
Images and videos of the campaign:
ACN #VaccinAction2024 - Inequalities Video 1 – Cyprus
ACN #VaccinAction2024 - Inequalities Video 2 – Austria
ACN #VaccinAction2024 - Inequalities Video 3 – Netherlands
ACN #VaccinAction2024 - Inequalities Video 4 – Ireland