Impact of Vaccination on Economic and Social Well-Being

Immunization is more than a medical preventive measure; it is an essential human right and a vital component of primary healthcare. Its impact transcends individual health, significantly influencing the socio-economic well-being of communities and nations. By preventing infectious diseases, vaccines alleviate the burden on healthcare systems and free up resources for other critical uses, contributing to a healthier society and a more robust economy.

Moreover, immunization plays a key role in promoting health equity, protecting vulnerable populations, and supporting the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. This comprehensive strategy not only fights diseases but also fosters economic growth, stability, and the building of fairer and more resilient societies. In summary, vaccination is fundamental for sustainable development and the creation of equitable communities globally.

1. Vaccination: Economic Investment, Return, and Impact on the Economy

The International Vaccine Access Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital launched the Decade of Vaccines Economics program in 2011, a three-phase initiative to thoroughly analyze the economic benefits of immunization. The results of Phase I, published in the journal Health Affairs on June 9, 2011, revealed that coverage of a package of six essential vaccines (measles, Hib, pneumococcus, DTP, rotavirus, and malaria) could have prevented 6.4 million child deaths in the next decade. Additionally, it was estimated that for the 72 poorest countries, economic savings would amount to $151 billion over ten years, considering lower treatment costs and increased productivity. In particular, pneumonia vaccines would represent savings of $68 billion, including treatment costs and productivity loss, as well as saving 6.4 million lives.

During Phase II of DOVE in 2012, a comprehensive analysis of scientific articles on the cost-effectiveness of vaccines was conducted. This review identified 108 relevant articles from 51 countries, covering 23 different vaccines. Of the 44 articles that provided details on the annual costs of deaths or disabilities prevented by vaccination, 86% indicated savings of more than $1,000 per case. In developed countries, where population health is crucial from both a public health and economic perspective, vaccination significantly contributes to improving population health and, consequently, economic growth. Child vaccination programs in Europe, for example, offer protection against 15 major infectious diseases, preventing child deaths and serious sequelae, thereby enabling healthy children to participate in education and become productive adults.

In this regard, vaccines represent a significant economic investment with a notable return. Recent studies predict that between 2016 and 2030, vaccines will prevent 24 million people in low-income countries from incurring high medical costs. Furthermore, a study in «Health Affairs» suggests that for every dollar spent on vaccination, approximately $10 are saved in healthcare costs and productivity loss. This return on investment in immunization is undeniable, especially when considering the value of a saved life.

Finally, immunized communities prevent massive outbreaks that can paralyze the economy. Reducing hospitalizations and long-term treatments means fewer medical expenses and fewer days of work lost. This keeps schools and workplaces active, fostering family prosperity. A study in the «International Journal of Health Services» indicates that vaccines not only prevent diseases but also promote economic and job stability, underscoring their essential role in maintaining a healthy and economically stable society.

2. Vaccination and Promotion of Gender Equality

Vaccination of women and girls is crucial for promoting gender equality. By enabling women to access health services without the burden of specific diseases or caring for sick children, their active participation in the economy and society is encouraged. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), immunization plays a fundamental role in reducing maternal and child mortality, contributing to gender equality.

3. Eradication and Reduction of Diseases

Vaccines have marked a milestone in the history of public health, achieving feats such as the eradication of smallpox and significant reduction of devastating diseases such as polio, meningitis, and measles. This success is largely due to global initiatives such as the Gavi Alliance, which since 2000 has vaccinated nearly 1 billion children, preventing around 15 million deaths. According to UNICEF reports, vaccination is responsible for saving between 2 and 3 million child lives annually, a testimony to the power of immunization in the fight against deadly diseases.

The mechanism of action of vaccines is simple yet profoundly effective. By introducing inactive or weakened forms of pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, into the body, vaccines train the immune system to generate antibodies, preparing it to fight the actual disease without causing the disease itself. This technique has allowed the development of vaccines against a wide range of diseases, including cervical cancer, cholera, COVID-19, diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis, mumps, pertussis, pneumonia, polio, rabies, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, typhoid fever, chickenpox, and yellow fever. Furthermore, there are experimental vaccines, such as those for Ebola and malaria, that are in development and promise to further expand the scope of immunization.

It is important to note that not all vaccines are necessary in all regions. Some are specifically administered before traveling to risk areas or to individuals with higher-risk occupations. Therefore, consulting healthcare professionals to determine the appropriate vaccination regimen for each individual and their family is crucial, ensuring personalized and effective protection against these diseases.

4. Challenges and the Future of Vaccination in Latin America

1. Setback in Childhood Vaccination

In Latin America, the situation of childhood vaccination is alarming. The region, which once led in immunization rates, now faces a significant decline. According to UNICEF, coverage of essential vaccines has drastically decreased, leaving one in four children unprotected against preventable diseases. This decline in vaccination, representing a setback of almost three decades, is part of a global problem, with 67 million unvaccinated children in the past three years.

2. Contributing Factors and Consequences

Various factors have contributed to this decline. Natural disasters, violence, uncontrolled urbanization, political instability, and migration have exacerbated inequalities, affecting access to quality healthcare services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further aggravated this situation, disrupting vaccination programs and diverting resources. As a result, diseases such as diphtheria, measles, and polio are resurging, putting vulnerable children and public health at risk.

3. Inequality and Access to Vaccination

Inequality plays a crucial role in this setback. Children from poorer households are less likely to be vaccinated compared to those from wealthier families. This gap is exacerbated in rural areas and marginalized communities, where access to vaccination is limited. Furthermore, vaccine hesitancy, fueled by misinformation and political polarization, has decreased vaccine acceptance in the region.

4. Rebuilding Trust and Moving Forward

To reverse this trend, it is crucial to restore trust in vaccines. This requires a concerted effort by governments, healthcare professionals, and communicators to educate and raise public awareness about the importance and safety of vaccines. Additionally, investment in healthcare infrastructure and effective vaccination campaigns must be prioritized to ensure that all children in Latin America have access to immunization and protection against preventable diseases.

Conclusion

The impact of vaccination on economic and social well-being is undeniable and extends far beyond mere disease prevention. As seen throughout this blog, vaccination is a cornerstone in building healthier, fairer, and more prosperous societies. By preventing diseases and reducing the burden on healthcare systems, vaccines free up economic and human resources, allowing them to be invested in other critical aspects of social and economic development.

 Furthermore, vaccination is a powerful catalyst for gender equality and disease eradication. By specially protecting women and girls, vaccines contribute to their empowerment and active participation in society, thus promoting gender equality. Similarly, success in eradicating and reducing diseases through immunization is a testament to the power of global collaboration and scientific innovation, bringing us closer to a world where health is an accessible right for all.

However, challenges persist, especially in regions like Latin America, where declining childhood vaccination rates underscore the need for renewed and collaborative efforts to ensure universal access to vaccination. Fighting misinformation, investing in healthcare infrastructure, and public education are essential to maintain and improve the achievements made. In conclusion, vaccination is not just a medical tool but an essential instrument for sustainable development, equity, and a healthier and more prosperous future for all.

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1 https://www.choiseul.es/images/stories/choiseul/papers/Impacto-Economico-Vacunas.pdf
2 https://www.who.int/es/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization#tab=tab_2
3 https://news.un.org/es/story/2023/04/1520292