Immunization – more commonly known as vaccination – remains one of the most effective public health interventions we have. An estimated 2 to 3 million deaths are prevented worldwide each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and continue to be closely monitored even after approval, making them a reliable and essential part of disease prevention across all age groups.
The implications are hard to ignore. In 2023 alone, vaccinations against 14 diseases – including measles, hepatitis B and whooping cough – helped prevent nearly 4.2 million deaths worldwide. Yet despite these advances, access remains inconsistent. Around one in five children worldwide still do not receive life-saving vaccinations, leaving millions vulnerable to diseases that are entirely preventable.
There are a few reasons for this. Limited access to healthcare services remains a major barrier in many regions, and vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have also slowed uptake. Even global progress has stalled in recent years as millions of children are either inadequately vaccinated or not vaccinated at all.
As vaccination rates fall, the risk of outbreaks increases – something health organizations continue to warn about. WHO believes that improving access, strengthening health systems and building trust in vaccines are key to closing these gaps. And the potential payoff is significant: Experts estimate that an additional 1.5 million lives could be saved each year if vaccination coverage were improved.
Before you decide to postpone a vaccination or skip it altogether, you should understand what it is all about. We have with Dr. Nandipa Mafongosi, Medical Advisor at Bestmed Medical Scheme, to clear up common misconceptions and explain the real risks of not completing vaccination.
Q: Why are vaccinations still important, especially in African countries where access remains limited?
A: Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to protect people from serious illnesses. Vaccinations save between 2 and 3 million lives each year, but millions of other people, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), still lack reliable access to vaccines, particularly in Africa for the following reasons:
- In some communities, clinics are too far away.
- The health systems are too overwhelmed.
- Routine immunization/vaccination does not always occur on time.
When this happens, gaps are created and preventable diseases such as measles and polio re-emerge. Increasing access and ensuring people understand the value of vaccines are key to protecting more families and communities.
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Q: Why is vaccination important at every stage of life, from birth to adulthood?
A: It’s easy to think of vaccinations as a measure that only children receive, but the protection doesn’t end there. Vaccinations in early childhood are crucial, but immunity can wane over time and some health risks only become relevant later in life.
Teens and adults may need booster vaccinations to protect themselves later in life and when traveling. A lifelong approach to vaccination helps people stay protected at every stage and plays an important role in maintaining the health of communities as a whole.
Q: What are some common misconceptions about vaccinations and what are the risks of missing them?
A: One of the biggest challenges is misinformation. Some people think vaccines are no longer necessary because they don’t often see the diseases they prevent. Others may have concerns about security. The reality is that vaccines have been so effective that many of these diseases have become less visible, but they have not gone away.
If fewer people are vaccinated, diseases may recur. Lack of vaccinations not only increases the risk for the individual; This can cause serious complications, long-term health problems, and in some cases even death, especially in people with weakened immune systems, such as young children or the elderly.
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Q: How can improved acceptance help protect individuals and strengthen communities?
A: When more people are vaccinated, everyone benefits (herd immunity). This reduces the spread of disease and helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or people with certain medical conditions. It also means fewer people will become seriously ill, easing the strain on already overburdened health systems. At the community level, higher vaccination rates reduce the likelihood of outbreaks and help keep schools, workplaces and families safer. Ultimately, improving acceptance is one of the most practical ways to build healthier, more resilient communities.
Vaccinations are available at most local clinics and pharmacies. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about what medications you or your family may need.