World Immunization Day During the Pandemic
November 10th is World Immunization Day. COVID-19 or not, babies are being born, and immunization is proven to be a successful and cost-effective means of preventing illness — saving millions of lives every year.
Vaccination vs. Immunization: What’s the Difference?
Vaccination is the act of administering a vaccine. Immunization is the broader process of helping an individual become immune or resistant to an infectious disease — which may occur through vaccination or through natural infection. According to the World Health Organization, immunization is “a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right.”
Why Immunization Matters
Statistics reveal that about 2–3 million deaths every year can be prevented with proper immunization. However, 18.7 million infants globally have not been provided with basic vaccines. In 2019, 20 million children missed out on lifesaving measles, diphtheria, and tetanus (DPT) vaccines.
Immunization and Genetics
Your genetic makeup influences how your immune system responds to vaccines and infections. Variants in HLA genes, cytokine genes, and immune receptor genes affect vaccine efficacy, susceptibility to infectious diseases, and the risk of autoimmune reactions. Understanding your immune genetics can help personalise your preventive health strategy.
What You Can Do
Ensure your family’s vaccination schedule is up to date
Advocate for immunization in your community
Understand your genetic immune profile to personalise your preventive health approach
Understand Your Immune Genetics
Genomepatri by MapmyGenome includes immune-related genetic traits — helping you understand your predisposition to infections, inflammatory conditions, and how your body responds to environmental challenges.
