New report | No health, no wealth: the cost-effectiveness and socioeconomic value of life course immunisation
ILC has engaged with expert stakeholders at the G7, G20, World Health Assembly, United Nations, and the World Bank and IMF to discuss the implications of comprehensive immunisation schedules throughout our lives. The key message is clear: vaccines are not just for children. Ensuring that people receive recommended immunisations at all life stages not only keeps people healthy but boosts workforce participation, economic growth, and overall societal wellbeing.
The ILC’s report, No health, no wealth: the cost-effectiveness and socioeconomic value of life course immunisation, supported by unrestricted grants from GSK, MSD, Pfizer, Sanofi, and Seqirus, highlights:
- Health improvements: Immunisation across the life course reduces the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases, reduces the need for hospitalisations, and lowers the burden on healthcare systems. It also promotes sustained health, enabling individuals to remain active in their communities through work, volunteering, and caregiving. For example, people who have had flu or pneumonia may be six times more likely to suffer a heart attack or stroke in the days after infection.
- Economic benefits: Globally, every $1 invested in adult immunisation can yield up to $19 in return, thanks to increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs. When combined with other preventative measures, the returns are even higher.
The ILC urges governments to invest in life course immunisation programmes, recognising it as a cornerstone of a prevention-first health strategy.
While the COVID-19 pandemic saw record uptake of immunisation across G20 countries, uptake of other routine immunisations, like flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccinations continue to fall far below the WHO’s target, with flu vaccination uptake, for example falling below 45% in 2020. The report concludes with an urgent call to action for policymakers, healthcare providers, and international organisations to prioritise immunisation across all age groups to enhance public health, foster economic stability, and prepare for the challenges posed by an ageing population.
Esther McNamara, ILC’s Senior Health Policy Lead and report author said: “We all know prevention is better than cure. If there were a simple button to prevent life-changing illnesses, we would all press it. However, despite the proven benefits of vaccines, they’re completely underutilised, particularly in protecting us beyond childhood. This project brings together global evidence to underscore the missed opportunities in immunisation and the tangible benefits of a life course approach.”
Dr. Haruki Matsumoto, Director-General of the Department of Health and Social Welfare in Japan, remarked: “There is no royal road to a healthy life, but nothing surpasses the importance of prevention. As we age, preventing poor health becomes increasingly critical.”
Haleh Nazeri, Lead of the Longevity Economy at the World Economic Forum, told ILC: “As people are living longer lives, pensions and retirement systems have not caught up with demographic changes. We came to realise throughout our work on helping individuals with their financial wellness that we had to consider health in our discussions, along with wealth. Going forward, healthy ageing needs to be just as much a part of the conversation as financial resilience when we are trying to keep people resilient in a longer life.”
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Press@ilcuk.org.uk or +44 (0) 7736 124 096. Spokespeople are available on request.
The full report is available from: https://ilcuk.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ILC-No-Health-No-Wealth-Cost-effectiveness-of-life-course-immunisation.pdf
Visit the programme page on the ILC website to learn more about ILC’s work on immunisation and longer lives.
About ILC
ILC is the UK’s leading authority on the impact of longevity on society. We combine evidence, solutions and networks to make change happen.
We help governments, policymakers, businesses and employers develop and implement solutions to ensure we all live happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives. We want a society where tomorrow is better than today and where future generations are better off.
ILC wants to help forge a new vision for the 100-year life where everyone has the opportunity to learn across our lives and where new technology helps us contribute more to society.