Despite the uncontested successes, immunization is facing a decline in acceptance across many EU/EEA countries, as well as in other parts of the world. Alongside different other factors e.g. vaccine access or fatigue, misinformation, and disinformation are playing a key role in increased vaccine hesitancy amongst different groups.

ECDC is marking this year’s EIW under the theme A lifelong approach to Vaccination, emphasizing the crucial importance of vaccines for young children but further stressing that vaccines are strongly recommended also for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. 

Together with promoting the benefits of vaccination at different stages of life, this year EIW will also highlight the importance of improving routine immunization rates, closing immunity gaps, reaching those that missed vaccination, and leaving no one behind.