How vaccines have transformed world health
May 22, 2025
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that vaccines prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths annually from diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, influenza, and pertussis and a 2021 study published in The Lancet found that in just one year (specifically 2021), COVID-19 vaccines saved an estimated 20 million lives worldwide.
Since 1990, vaccines have helped reduce child mortality by over 50% globally, and the eradication of smallpox alone is estimated to have saved more than 200 million lives since 1980.
Vaccines have undeniably transformed world health, which is genuine cause for celebration especially at this time of year, as World Immunisation Week, a global public health campaign, organised by the WHO to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease, has just finished. This year marks the mid-point of the WHO’s ‘Immunisation Agenda 2030’ and the theme was ‘Immunisation for All is Humanly Possible’
The theme has two clear components. Firstly, ‘Immunisation for All’ underscores the principle that everyone, everywhere, regardless of income, geography, or circumstance, or social status, should have access to vaccines and critically, it acknowledges the millions of children, adults, and older people who still lack access to routine vaccines.
And secondly, ‘Possibility’ sets a target that reaching every person with essential vaccines is within our capability as a global community.
So, what’s stopping us? In simple terms, lower income countries still struggle to access vaccines due to their cost, access to supply and indeed, the lack of infrastructure, both physical and medical, to get vaccines to where they are most needed. Practically, there is also a growing distrust and misinformation around vaccines, especially online, and especially in developed, wealthy nations, that is undermining public confidence in vaccines.
Yet, vaccines are a great idea because they protect individuals and communities from serious diseases, often with just a few doses. They are safe, effective, and one of the most powerful tools we have for preventing illness and saving lives. In simple term:
They save lives
Vaccines prevent diseases like measles, polio, meningitis, and whooping cough—many of which used to kill or disable thousands every year.
They don’t just protect you
When you’re vaccinated, you help stop the spread of disease to others, especially babies, elderly people, and those with weakened immune systems.
They save money as well as lives
Vaccines reduce healthcare costs by preventing hospital stays, missed work or school, and long-term disability.
They Help Communities Thrive
Widespread vaccination allows societies to reopen, travel, work, and go to school safely, which was especially important during the recent COVID19 pandemic.
They can eradicate diseases
Vaccination wiped out smallpox and has nearly eliminated polio in most parts of the world. The more people vaccinated, the closer we get to eliminating other diseases too.
They’re a Shared Responsibility
Choosing to get vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself—it’s about doing your part to protect your family, friends, and community.
Vaccines have transformed world health by drastically reducing illness, disability, and death caused by infectious diseases. Since their widespread use began in the 20th century, vaccines have become one of the most effective and cost-efficient public health interventions in history.
According to the WHO, vaccines prevent 3.5 to 5 million deaths each year from diseases like measles, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis and smallpox, once a deadly global disease, was eradicated in 1980 thanks to a worldwide vaccination campaign.
And vaccines don’t just protect individuals, they help build herd immunity, reducing disease spread and protecting vulnerable people who can’t be vaccinated, like newborns or immunocompromised individuals.
Healthier populations are also more productive, need less medical care, and contribute more to economic development.
Vaccines have changed the course of human history by:
- Saving lives
- Strengthening economies
- Protecting the vulnerable
- Enabling safer, more connected societies
Surely a great reason to continue to mark and celebrate World Immunisation Week.
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As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to switch gears: to reflect on the past 12 months, recharge over the holidays and perhaps start to think about what comes next. If you’re working in the healthcare sector - whether nursing, allied health, aged care or medical support - now is an excellent time to give some thought to your next career step . At Talent Quarter, we have fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and we’d love to get you connected. Get in touch with us today and let’s make your next step the best career move so for you. Below is our career-checklist and some practical tips to help you approach a job move in the new year - with less stress, more clarity and even while you enjoy your holiday downtime. Why now could be a smart time for a change Even though the labour market has its fluctuations, the healthcare sector in Australia continues to show strong underlying opportunities.
Working in rural and remote healthcare isn’t just a career move, for some, it’s a calling. For many nurses, it’s about stepping into communities where access to healthcare can be limited, and where your presence actually makes a world of difference. One of our incredible nurses, Brittanie , has spent the past three years working across remote Australia - and she shared what this experience has meant to her, she says: “After spending time in rural areas, I realised how much impact you can have in small communities. Every day is different - from emergency response and CareFlight retrievals to outstation visits and primary healthcare - and you never stop learning.” Connection is at the Heart of Care What stands out most about rural nursing isn’t just the variety of work, it’s the connection. In these communities, you’re not just a clinician; you’re a massive part of their lives. You're able to see the results of your care first-hand and watch families grow across generations. The landscape, culture, and pace of life bring a sense of purpose and grounding that’s hard to find elsewhere. “Being surrounded by country and culture gives you a real sense of meaning. It’s not just healthcare - it’s connection, belonging, and learning from the strength and resilience of the communities you serve.” At TQ, this is a first-hand example of what we call Connections with Impact.
Working in Aged Care means giving compassion, patience and heart every day. But in a sector built on care, your own wellbeing matters just as much as the people you support. What the Numbers Say Recent Australian research shows wellbeing in aged care is under real pressure: Around 1 in 4 workers experience burnout symptoms like fatigue and emotional exhaustion (ARIIA, 2024). Burnout rates increased and resilience has declined (Medical Journal of Australia). Over half of workers in some studies have considered leaving due to workload and emotional strain. These aren’t just stats - they’re the lived reality of the people caring for our most vulnerable. Why It Matters Burnout doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the slow build-up of long shifts, emotional load, and never-ending demands. But you matter too - your health, your energy, your purpose. It’s okay to pause, take leave, ask for help, and reset. Caring for yourself is part of caring for others - you can’t pour from an empty cup! Alexiss, our Head of Aged Care at TQ, puts it perfectly: “Pause and reconnect with your purpose. Remember what drew you to aged care, because those meaningful connections can reignite your spark when you need it most.” What Helps Reduce Burnout in Aged Care Smarter workloads, better schedules: When shifts are balanced and you have more control over your work, burnout drops - and job satisfaction rises. Strong support systems - Good leadership and supportive teammates make all the difference. Care work is relational, and carers need care too. Spot pressure early - Noticing stress points before they build helps keep teams steady and safe. Extra hands when needed - Partnering with Talent Quarter means having qualified staff ready to step in when workloads peak. Hiring for the long haul - Bringing in the right permanent staff creates stability, strengthens teams, and helps prevent burnout before it starts. 🤝 Connections with Impact At TQ, we really do believe that great care starts with supporting the carers . We’re here to help connect you with workplaces where you feel valued, supported and able to thrive - physically, mentally and emotionally. Let us help you find an Aged Care role that’s right for you! And remember, it’s okay to pause. To take leave. To ask for help. To reset. The best carers are those who know when to look after themselves first. Because when you’re well, the positive impact you create ripples through everyone around you. If you’d like support, guidance, or simply someone to talk to, our Aged Care Team is here for you. Get in touch! 📩 Alexiss: Alexiss.Macneil@talentquarter.com
