20th European Immunization Week: Across Generations, Vaccines Work

Vaccines offer protection and lifelong health benefits – from infancy to older age. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, WHO and UNICEF advocate for strong immunization systems and provide technical assistance to the health authorities to ensure access to vaccines for all people in the country. This year we commemorate the 20th European Immunization Week by reminding everyone: vaccines save lives – at every stage of life.

Launched in 2007 across 53 WHO European Region countries, the European Immunization Week has evolved from promoting every child’s right to protection into a broader platform for immunization as a lifelong investment. Vaccination now supports health at every stage: pregnant women (pertussis, influenza, COVID‑19, respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia), adolescents (infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cervical cancer), and older adults (influenza, COVID‑19, pneumonia, shingles). Globally, immunization has reduced infant mortality by 40% over 50 years. In the European Region, high coverage has preserved polio‑free status and advanced elimination of measles, rubella and hepatitis B. Newer vaccines protect against pneumonia, rotavirus, HPV‑related cancers, and more.

Dr Erwin Cooreman, WHO Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizes: “Immunization remains one of the most effective and equitable public health interventions. Vaccines continue to save lives, prevent outbreaks and protect people across all generations, from newborns and adolescents to older adults. While important progress has been made, especially in restoring coverage for vaccines given in the first year of life, we must continue working together to close remaining immunization gaps, particularly for measles-containing vaccines, and ensure that every person, in every community, is protected.”

In BiH, the latest WHO/UNICEF data show encouraging recovery for first‑year vaccines: diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) 94.6%, polio 94.7%, hepatitis B 95.9%, BCG 97.1%. Yet major challenges persist. Measles‑containing vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella or MMR) first‑dose coverage stands at only 60.2%, which is far below the 95% herd immunity threshold. Despite the affordability, HPV vaccine uptake also remains low (7% of girls, 1% of boys by age 15).

“The progress is there, but let us not forget 2024 epidemics of measles and pertussis in BiH, with over 9,000 cases, of which seven deaths, which showed that immunity gaps have real consequences. UNICEF remains committed to supporting authorities and partners to strengthen immunization systems, build public trust in vaccines, and ensure equitable access for all children. This includes targeted outreach to underserved populations, strengthening demand through social and behaviour change approaches, and continued investment in data systems and service delivery. Sustained efforts are needed to close remaining gaps, prevent future outbreaks, and ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has access to life‑saving vaccines,” said Marc Lucet, UNICEF Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Progress is visible: free HPV vaccination for adolescents under 18 is expanding in several parts of the country, and collaboration among health ministries, public health institutes, primary care providers and international partners, such as WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the European Union, has strengthened cold‑chain systems, surveillance, digital monitoring, and catch‑up campaigns. However, regional trends under the European Immunization Agenda 2030 show uneven progress, measles elimination off track, rising outbreaks, persistent inequities, all reinforcing the need for sustained action in Bosnia and Herzegovina and beyond.

Vaccination must remain a public health priority. As European Immunization Week turns 20, the message is clear: vaccines work across generations. Continued collective action, with WHO and UNICEF providing technical support, and evidence-based advocacy, is essential so that everyone, everywhere, benefits from their life‑saving power.