GlaxoSmithKlien’s-The Value of Vaccination – Benefits Beyond Health Media Factsheet

“We know that vaccines save lives by protecting people against disease. What is less well-known is that vaccines are also an engine for economic growth – far beyond their health benefits.” Dr. Seth Berkley – CEO, GAVI Alliance

Mumbai, ( GPN ) : Vaccination is one of the most powerful and cost effective health interventions in history and prevents 2 – 3 million deaths every year.

With the exception of clean water, no other modality, not even antibiotics, has had such a major effect on mortality reduction.

The value of vaccination extends beyond providing just positive health outcomes; it supports socio-economic development through saving lives and saving money. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public- health investments to decrease poverty and prevent longer term economic and social costs.

The way we view vaccines and vaccines development requires a rethink, built on an appreciation of the value of prevention which in nearly all cases confers positive health economic benefits to society.

Saving Lives, Saving Money Vaccines have been recognized as the single greatest promise of biomedicine: disease prevention.Health is exceptionally valuable. It is better to prevent disease than allow avoidable human suffering, incur the costs of care and treatment, and suffer the economic consequences of lost work and lower productivity.The economic impact of repeated episodes of illness and long term disability is a major cause of underdevelopment in many countries today.

The most convincing success of vaccination is the eradication of smallpox and near-elimination of o Over the ten year period leading up to 1977 vaccination programmes to prevent smallpox cost US $100 million, but it is estimated that its global eradication has resulted in annual savings of US $1.3 billion in treatment and prevention ever since. to US $1.5 billion each year.

Another area of success has been measles vaccination, which resulted in a 71% drop in measles deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2011.

o Once polio has been eradicated, savings on health costs worldwide are estimated to amount

o In 1994, every dollar spent to purchase measles-containing vaccine saved $10.30 in direct

medical costs and $3.20 in indirect societal costs.

Increasing the vaccine coverage rate in 72 of the poorest countries is projected to result in averting 6.4 million preventable deaths over a 10 year period. This increase in vaccine coverage is also projected to reduce healthcare cost by US $6.2 billion and US $145 billion in productivity loses.

Childhood Vaccination-By helping to keep children healthy, immunization can extend life expectancy and the time spent on productive activity – thereby contributing to poverty reduction.

Beyond preventing more than 426 million cases of illness and averting 6.4 million deaths over the next ten years, immunizing children would hold major economic benefits for both families and governments. decade would result in an estimated US $151 billion in treatment and productivity savings. of US $231 billion for those in at-risk countries.

o Expanding childhood immunization rates in the world’s 72 poorest countries over the next

o The ability to avert 6.4 million deaths by improving vaccine coverage has an estimated value Beyond these economic benefits, there is increasing evidence that suggests vaccination can improve physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Childhood vaccination has been linked with positive and long-term health benefits that translate into increased cognitive ability in ten year olds, which in turn is associated with higher earnings in adulthood.7 Adult and Adolescent Vaccination Amidst the current demographic trends, adult and adolescent vaccination offers a cost-effective solution to maintaining public health and helps the aging to be more active and productive.  Seasonal influenza is a major economic burden. It can result in increased healthcare costs and workplace absences and reduced productivity. Studies from developed countries that suggest the total annual cost of influenza is between US $1 million to US $6 million per 100,000 population.

Influenza vaccination may reduce the number of hospitalizations for pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, or emphysema by 63% and reduce overall mortality by 75%.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which causes cervical cancer – the third most common cancer in women, incidence rates vary from 1 to 50 per 100 000 females

In Belgium, health economic data has shown that screening for and vaccinating against HPV would prevent an additional 646 cases of cervical cancer over the lifetime of a 100,000 female cohort compared with screening alone.

Summary – Healthier people, healthier economy, healthier development Beyond its intrinsic humanitarian value, the value of disease contributes to a positive cycle of health and wealth gains as either is improved. Health is a unique value that fuels the economic engine. Investing in good health through vaccination not only means better life but also increases the chances of poverty reduction and overall economic growth.

The burden of disease in some low-income regions stands as a stark barrier to economic growth and therefore must be a central priority in any comprehensive development strategy.18 The World Bank proposes that immunization be among the first public health initiatives in which governments should invest – support is Individual’s benefit term disabilities such as mental impairment, blindness, hearing loss and many others. This reduces the cost of medical care and loss of work due to illness or caring for an ill family member. income, if parents do not miss work caring for sick children.

Employer’s benefit who are exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases through their children. Government’s benefits mortality rates, with other preventive investments. – vaccines reduce the pain, suffering and death from disease. They also prevent longer– the main wage earners stay healthy and family members do not need to make up lost.

– a healthy, more productive workforce, and lesser risks of transmission between workers

– vaccination compares favorably, in terms of incremental costs and reduction in

– ‘herd immunity’ protects vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated.

Overall immunization is one of the most cost-effective investments to decrease poverty and prevent longer term economic and social costs. As a result effective health policies and their expenditures should be seen as an investment, not a cost.
Countries with educated, healthy populations are in a better position to prosper.

About the Author

Sachin Murdeshwar
Sachin Murdeshwar is a Sr.Journalist and Columnist in several Mainline Newspapers and Portals.He is an ardent traveller and likes to explore destinations to the core.