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Institut Pasteur speaks out in support of vaccination: prevention is better than cure
World Immunization Week, an annual initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) celebrated worldwide, took place this year from April 24 to 30 with the slogan "For every generation, vaccines work." The aim of World Immunization Week is to raise public awareness of the role played by vaccination in preventing diseases and protecting life.
To mark the occasion, the Institut Pasteur published a powerful open letter in the press, signed by more than 300 key figures, defending vaccination in the face of disinformation and attacks against science and rational thought. The Institut Pasteur also published several informative articles aimed at the general public to promote and raise awareness of its action in the area of vaccination, one of the key pillars in its illustrious history.
Read:
- The Institut Pasteur's open letter: Nearly 300 prominent figures defend vaccination – a life saved every eight seconds
At the initiative of the Institut Pasteur, nearly 300 prominent figures came out in support of the importance of vaccination during this year's World Immunization Week and called for collective action to tackle disinformation and attacks against science and rational thought. The signatories are from a variety of fields including scientific research, medicine, culture and media, politics (including several health ministers) and major foundations and companies in the sectors of healthcare and insurance.
Read the open letter published in Le Parisien on April 26, 2026 to mark World Immunization Week
This op-ed received widespread coverage in the media and on social media. Whether from the political or institutional spheres, or from the patrons who support the Pasteur Institute, many have spoken out.
- Report: Vaccines explained: different types, immunity, protection and side effects
Since Edward Jenner understood that cowpox could provide immunity against smallpox and Louis Pasteur developed his rabies vaccine in the late 19th century, vaccination has saved millions of lives – and yet the subject continues to raise questions. How do vaccines work? Why should we be vaccinated? What are the different types of vaccine? How are vaccines created? We provide some answers.
- A guide to the different types of vaccine
Over time, various vaccine technologies have been developed, all based on the same idea of exposing the body to a weakened pathogen or pathogenic element so that the immune system can learn to recognize and defend against it. We take a look at the principles, advantages and limits of the main types of vaccine currently available.
- The Pasteur Institute is stepping up its efforts with new vaccines in development
Several vaccines co-developed by the Pasteur Institute are set to reach key milestones in 2026. These vaccine projects target life-threatening, emerging, or neglected diseases: chikungunya, malaria, and hemorrhagic fevers.