The Economic and Societal Imperatives of Life Course Immunisation
Immunisation has long been celebrated as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. However, its value extends beyond just protecting individuals from disease. As outlined in the recent report by the International Longevity Centre UK (ILC), titled “No Health, No Wealth: The Cost-effectiveness and Socioeconomic Value of Life Course Immunisation,” the importance of immunisation across all stages of life is underscored by its profound impact on both health outcomes and economic productivity. This article delves into the report’s key findings, illustrating why life course immunisation is not just a health priority but an economic necessity.
We know immunisation works. It has saved over 3 million lives yearly for the past 50 years. Childhood immunisations have drastically reduced infant mortality and given the world over 10 billion additional healthy years of life in the last 50 years alone. If we can expand on the success of childhood immunisation to extend adult immunisation, we have the opportunity to protect our health and productivity across the rest of our lives.
The Economic Rationale for Life Course Immunisation
The report highlights the significant economic returns on investment in immunisation. For every dollar invested in adult immunisation, up to $19 is returned to the health system and society. This return can be as high as $40 when combined with other preventative interventions. These figures are not just abstract statistics; they represent real savings in healthcare costs, increased productivity, and reduced social care burdens.
One of the report’s striking points is the comparison between different levels of immunisation investment and the corresponding outcomes. Countries that invest more in immunisation tend to have better life expectancy figures and perform better on indicators like health and work span. This correlation indicates that a proactive approach to immunisation can help sustain economic growth by keeping the workforce healthy and productive.
Moreover, the report stresses that the cost of not immunising populations is far greater than the investment required. Vaccine-preventable diseases in adults cost the US over $9 billion annually through direct costs and productivity losses, with $7.1 billion of this loss occurring in unvaccinated populations. This economic burden is not unique to the US; similar patterns are observed globally, particularly in countries with lower immunisation rates.
The Societal Impact of Comprehensive Immunisation Programmes
Beyond the economic benefits, life course immunisation has significant societal impacts. Immunisation reduces the number of diseases, deaths, and hospitalisations, alleviating the burden on health and social care services. It also prevents interruptions to health-promoting behaviours, such as exercise and eating well, and maintains social connections, all of which contribute to a healthier society.
The ILC report emphasises that the need for life course immunisation becomes even more critical as our societies age. By 2040, all but four G20 countries will have at least 20% of their population aged over 65. This demographic shift necessitates a focus on preventative health measures to ensure that older populations remain healthy and able to contribute economically and socially.
Addressing Inequalities in Vaccination Access
A key concern raised in the report is the inequality in vaccination access within and between countries. Access to vaccines remains a significant challenge in low — and middle-income countries (LMICs). Speaking at an ILC roundtable, Professor David Salisbury pointed out that while the science and technology around vaccines are advancing, troubling market segmentation leaves LMICs with inadequate access to necessary vaccines.
To address these disparities, the report recommends that health systems prioritise data collection and knowledge-sharing to identify and rectify inequalities. This will help develop more comprehensive and equitable immunisation programmes that ensure no one is left behind.
The Need for Cultural and Attitudinal Change
The success of immunisation programmes also depends on changing the culture and attitudes towards vaccination. The report suggests that all stakeholders, from governments to healthcare providers, need to play a role in promoting the importance of life course immunisation. A particular barrier identified is complacency, especially among healthcare providers who may not take adult vaccination as seriously as childhood immunisation.
Changing this mindset is crucial. Immunisation should not be viewed as a one-time intervention during childhood but as a continuous process that extends into adulthood and old age. This shift in perception is necessary to ensure high vaccination uptake throughout life, essential for maintaining public health and economic stability.
Global Policy and Action
The ILC report is a call to action for national governments and international cooperation. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of strong immunisation infrastructure and the need for global collaboration to address public health threats. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has emphasised that the next pandemic is a matter of when not if. The report urges G20 and G7 leaders to prioritise life-course immunisation in their policy agendas and support LMICs in building robust immunisation systems.
The report also references significant global initiatives, such as the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Immunisation Agenda 2030, which focuses on life-course immunisation. However, the report warns that many of the WHO’s impact goals may not be achieved without immediate action.
Conclusion
The ILC’s “No Health, No Wealth” report provides compelling evidence that investing in life course immunisation is not just a health imperative but an economic one. By preventing diseases, reducing healthcare costs, and maintaining a healthy workforce, immunisation contributes to both individual well-being and broader economic stability.
The need for comprehensive immunisation programmes becomes more urgent as our global population ages. Governments, health systems, and international organisations must work together to ensure that immunisation is accessible to all, regardless of age or socioeconomic status. Failure to do so will lead to poorer health outcomes and have profound economic consequences.
The report’s message is clear: the time to act is now. Immunisation is one of the most effective tools to promote healthy ageing, reduce economic burdens, and ensure our societies can thrive in the coming decades. By prioritising life course immunisation, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier, and more productive life.
