We now have vaccines to prevent more than 20 life- (a)   (threaten) diseases, helping people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

Immunization currently (a)   (prevention) 2-3 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza and measles.

Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious-disease outbreaks. They underpin global health security and will be a vital tool in the battle against antimicrobial (a)   (resist).

In some countries, progress has stalled or even reversed, and there is a real risk that complacency will undermine past (a)   (achieve).

Global (a)   (vaccine) coverage – the proportion of the world’s children who receive recommended vaccines – has remained the same over the past few years.

Vaccines train your immune system to create antibodies, just as it does when it’s exposed to a disease. However, because vaccines contain only killed or (a)   (weak) forms of germs like viruses or bacteria, they do not cause the disease or put you at risk of its complications.

Some other vaccines are currently under development or being piloted, including those that protect against Ebola or malaria, but are not yet widely available (a)   (globe).

Not all of these vaccinations may be needed in your country. Some may only be given prior to travel, in areas of risk, or to people in high-risk (a)   (occupy). Talk to your healthcare worker to find out what vaccinations are needed for you and your family.

WHO is working with countries and partners to improve global vaccination (a)   (cover).