UNICEF to parents: Provide your children with the protection that your parents provided you in the past

Skopje, 9 February 2024: Concerned by the growing number of cases of whooping cough in the country and news of measles cases in the region, UNICEF joins local health experts appeals to parents and caregivers to reach out to their local healthcare facility to catch up on missed vaccinations.

Thanks to high vaccination rates in the past, parents today have been fortunate to grow up without seeing family or friends die or suffer life-long disability from diseases like measles or polio. The current outbreak of whooping cough reminds us of the importance of maintaining routine childhood vaccine coverage above 90-95% to achieve herd immunity.

Only through herd immunity can we shield those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or individuals with weakened immune systems. To protect children and communities, it is essential that all children who, for whatever reason, did not receive their vaccines according to the national immunization calendar, reach out to their local health facilities to receive the catch-up shots they need.

Vaccination is one of the most effective measures to protect our children and communities from serious illnesses. Vaccines are proven to be safe and save 2 to 3 million children globally each year from deadly diseases.

Vaccinating children is a collective responsibility. We are appealing to parents and caregivers: Provide your children with the protection that your parents have provided you in the past. You have the power to protect your child, other children and communities from diseases that are preventable with vaccines that are proven to be safe and highly effective.