NOAH launches #VaccinesWork campaign

NOAH has launched a campaign to highlight the importance of vaccines and their continuing innovation.

To mark World Vaccination Day today (20 April), the animal health representative body launched the #VaccinesWork campaign, with focus on explaining how everyone involved with animals needs to work together to improve the update of vaccines.

Survey

It says a survey has found good awareness of vaccines and their benefits, with people agreeing they should be used regularly in pets and farm animals. In its survey, 79% agreed farm animals should be vaccinated regularly, and it was higher – at 81% – for pets.

A large proportion – 69% – supported use of new technologies for animal vaccinations.

NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of vaccination in helping to protect us from disease and to reduce the transmission of infection. It has shown how industry can work alongside others to address threats from emerging diseases – it has undoubtedly helped improve public understanding of the importance of vaccination.”

Vaccines

She added: “Our industry can respond to emerging animal diseases, helping slow or even halt their transmission, including through the development of new, innovative vaccines.

“With the forthcoming review of the UK veterinary regulatory process later this year, we have an opportunity to ensure the UK can incentivise innovation, product research and development, including for novel vaccines.

“But we already have access to a wide range of vaccines to tackle existing endemic diseases, for both farm animals and pets. Despite people’s awareness of benefits, not every animal is protected, and we will be working to help increase the number of animals that are, to improve their welfare and quality of life.

“As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, it is right that animal vaccination should be a priority in the UK and globally. Because after all, #VaccinesWork.”