Why Vaccines

Vaccines are among the most cost-effective and impactful public health interventions, playing a vital role in controlling and eliminating infectious diseases. Every year, childhood vaccination alone prevents over 4 million deaths globally, demonstrating the power of immunization in saving lives and improving overall health outcomes. Vaccination has saved the lives of 101 million infants over the last 50 years.

The success of vaccines is evident in the eradication of smallpox, a disease that once claimed millions of lives, and the near elimination of polio. Today, immunization protects against more than 20 life-threatening infectious diseases, reducing illness, disability, and mortality across populations. The effectiveness of vaccines was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rapid vaccine deployment saved an estimated 20 million lives. However, many more could have been protected had vaccines been distributed more equitably and efficiently.

Beyond infectious disease prevention, vaccines play a crucial role in combating antimicrobial resistance, one of the most pressing global health threats of the 21st century. By preventing bacterial and viral infections that would otherwise require antibiotic treatment, vaccines could help avert approximately 500,000 deaths annually associated with drug-resistant infections.

If the global community fully implements the Immunization Agenda 2030, more than 50 million lives could be saved through vaccination between 2021 and 2030.

Broad impact of vaccines

The benefits of vaccines extend far beyond infectious disease prevention. They are instrumental in reducing the burden of certain cancers, such as cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and liver cancer linked to hepatitis B. By providing long-term immunity, vaccines not only protect individuals and communities but also contribute to the broader goal of global health and health security, as demonstrated through the COVID-19 pandemic, the eradication of smallpox, and near elimination of polio.

Economic and societal value of vaccines

Investing in vaccination yields substantial economic returns. For every $1 spent on immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries between 2011 and 2030, the estimated return on investment is $52 in low- and middle-income countries based on the value-of-a-statistical-life approach. This economic benefit stems from reduced health care costs, increased productivity, and healthier populations that contribute more effectively to society.

Ensuring widespread access to vaccines is essential for achieving long-term health security and economic prosperity. Overcoming barriers such as vaccine hesitancy, logistical challenges, and inequitable distribution will require sustained global efforts and collaboration.

The promise of new vaccine technologies

Vaccine development has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. The emergence of mRNA vaccine technology has revolutionized the field of vaccinology, marking a transformative breakthrough in medicine. The rapid development and deployment of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated their immense potential in addressing emerging infectious diseases. Advances in new technologies, including next-generation sequencing, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and immune profiling, have revolutionized our ability to study the immune response and assess vaccine efficacy.

This innovative approach allows for faster development, greater adaptability to emerging variants, and potential applications beyond infectious diseases. Scientists are exploring mRNA technology for vaccines targeting cancer, influenza, and diseases for which no vaccines currently exist.

Employing these cutting-edge technologies will be critical for future global health preparedness and health security. The International Vaccine Institute harnesses such technologies in discovering, developing, and delivering safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global health, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. By investing in research, expanding access, and ensuring equitable distribution, the world can maximize the benefits of vaccines and safeguard populations from both existing and emerging health threats.