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As part of its ongoing commitment to supporting health awareness efforts and promoting a culture of prevention among employees and researchers, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board, organized an interactive awareness lecture on the occasion of World Immunization Week entitled “The Importance of Vaccinations in the Workplace.” The event was organized by the Department of Public Health, headed by Prof. Dr. Wafaa Abdel Meguid Wafi.

The lecture was delivered by Dr. Menna Shehata, Public Health Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO) Egypt Office. She highlighted the pivotal role of vaccinations in preventing infectious diseases and their importance in promoting the safety of employees in various workplace settings, thereby contributing to maintaining public health and improving institutional performance. She also reviewed the latest global recommendations and practices related to vaccination and addressed several common misconceptions surrounding vaccines.

During the lecture, Dr. Menna Shehata discussed the historical journey of vaccinations and the developments witnessed in immunization programs worldwide. She also addressed the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) and its role in reducing the spread of infectious diseases and protecting communities. She emphasized the vital importance of vaccines as one of the most successful and effective public health interventions for preventing diseases and saving lives.

The lecture also highlighted the concept of lifelong immunization, recommended vaccines for special groups and healthcare workers, as well as post-exposure preventive vaccinations for certain occupational hazards, such as hepatitis B and tetanus vaccines. In addition, she discussed the efforts of the Egyptian state to support immunization programs and increase vaccination coverage rates, along with the role of the World Health Organization in supporting vaccination strategies and strengthening health security.

The session witnessed remarkable interaction from attendees, who raised numerous questions and inquiries related to preventive vaccinations, creating a rich dialogue that enhanced health awareness and emphasized the importance of disseminating reliable scientific information.

For his part, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Director of the Institute, affirmed that organizing such awareness activities comes within the framework of the Institute’s vision to establish preventive health concepts and strengthen health culture within research and medical institutions. He pointed out that investing in health awareness represents one of the fundamental pillars for building a safe and sustainable work environment capable of facing emerging health challenges. He also stressed the importance of cooperation with specialized international organizations to transfer the latest scientific expertise and knowledge that contribute to supporting the health of employees and society.

This event is part of a series of scientific and awareness activities that Theodor Bilharz Research Institute is keen to organize, stemming from its national and research role in supporting the public health system and promoting prevention as one of the most important approaches to protecting human health and improving quality of life, in alignment with global health trends and the Sustainable Development Goals.