Vaccines: Protecting Against Chronic Illness, Enhancing Lifelong Health

Recognizing immunization as a key aspect of NCD prevention and management is a crucial advancement. Implementing lifelong routine immunization programs as essential parts of NCD management requires policy and decision-makers to act decisively across blank” rel=”nofollow noreferrer noopener”>four policy priorities. 

blank” rel=”nofollow noreferrer noopener”>Firstly, adult immunization should be a core component of essential NCD care globally. This includes immunization against respiratory infections in national strategies and access through innovative outreach and delivery models.  

blank” rel=”nofollow noreferrer noopener”>Secondly, access to vaccines for people with NCDs should be expanded. This helps prevent complications, reduces hospitalizations, enhances system resilience, and ensures more efficient use of prevention budgets.  

blank” rel=”nofollow noreferrer noopener”>Thirdly, raising awareness about the importance of immunization among people with NCDs is crucial, by providing reliable information and equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively communicate about vaccines.  

And blank” rel=”nofollow noreferrer noopener”>finally, establishing a system to track immunization coverage among people with NCDs will ensure accountability for progress.  

Investing in social and economic resilience 

Incorporating routine adult immunization into NCD prevention and management is a cost-effective way to address NCDs, keeping people healthier for longer, reducing the burden on healthcare systems, and delivering economic benefits. 

Data indicates that adult vaccination programs provide socio-economic benefits up to 19 times the initial investment, benefiting individuals, healthcare systems, and society. As countries face increasing chronic disease rates, aging populations, workforce shortages, and constrained budgets, investing in prevention today is sound health policy and smart economics.