How lifelong vaccination can tackle the challenges of an ageing world
Alongside climate change and rapid technological acceleration, demographic change is often cited as one of the biggest challenges facing the globe today.
Ensuring there is equitable access to innovative health solutions within this context of a rapidly ageing world has therefore never been more urgent. Whilst childhood vaccination programs have provided a strong foundation for global health for decades, it is critical that our focus expands to include a comprehensive, life-course immunization strategy. With the population of people aged 60+ projected to rise by over a third to 1.4 billion by 2030, adult vaccination will be a critical tool to reduce the strain on healthcare systems, protect vulnerable populations, and create more resilient societies. A recent Financial Times article highlighted that investment in healthcare for this demographic can lead to a “silver dividend”, with a healthier older population increasing GDP by up to 1.5 percent in some countries.
Proportion of persons aged 65 years and over by development group, 2023 & 2050
Abbreviations: ODCs, other developing countries; LDCs, least developed countries. Source: United Nations, 2023
The shift to lifelong vaccination: a vision for a healthier future
Vaccination is not just for children; it is a fundamental component of preventive health care across all life stages. Adults, particularly older adults, face significant risks from diseases like influenza, shingles, pneumococcal disease and HPV. Yet, a relatively small number of countries recommend vaccines for individuals of all ages. For example, the WHO recommends that all older adults receive a pneumococcal vaccine, but only 31 countries currently include any adult pneumococcal vaccinations in their schedules, leaving many adults unprotected.
While there was steady progress in adult vaccination up until 2019, overall levels of vaccine coverage for adults have remained low. According to a report from GSK and IQVIA, in 2021 and 2022, more than 100 million potential doses were missed by adults globally compared to pre-pandemic projections. These figures underscore the urgent need for bold, collaborative action to reimagine how vaccines are delivered and prioritized across the lifespan.
Global adult vaccination doses, 2013-2022
A landmark study published by The Lancet revealed that global pediatric immunization efforts have saved an estimated 154 million lives — or the equivalent of six lives every minute of every year — over the past 50 years. Adopting a lifelong vaccination approach can enable the global population to enjoy the benefits of good health throughout their lives and mitigate potential health threats.
Adult vaccines: expanding the pipeline, streamlining delivery
The vaccine development pipeline is robust, with over 100 candidate vaccines in progress, 80% of which target adults. This shift is crucial in addressing diseases that predominantly affect adults, such as respiratory infectious diseases, hep B, and meningococcal diseases. These innovations promise to enhance public health outcomes significantly. However, continual innovation in vaccine formulation as well as continuous improvement in delivery is key to maximizing benefits and minimizing risks. Reformulating vaccines to include more strains or create combination vaccines can improve convenience and uptake, particularly among adults – as well as enhancing efficacy to reflect seasonality and aligning with the demands of a fast-paced society.
As one example – The United Kingdom has achieved relatively high flu vaccination rates among older adults, attributed in part to effective data management and the expanded role of pharmacies in vaccine administration. The NHS Digital Vaccinations Data Dashboard provides healthcare providers with real-time data on vaccination uptake, enabling targeted interventions to increase coverage. By adopting similar strategies, other countries can enhance their vaccination efforts and public health outcomes.
Harnessing digital tools: from reactive care to proactive prevention
Current health care systems are often reactive, focusing on treatment rather than prevention. Shifting towards a preventive model could alleviate pressure on these systems. Earlier this year, the Office of Health Economics published a report on the socioeconomic value of adult immunization, weighing the benefits of vaccines for individuals and societies against the costs of delivering such programs. The analysis found that adult immunization programs can return up to 19 times their initial investment through benefits to individuals, health care systems, and wider society.
Adult immunization programs can return up to 19 times their initial investment through benefits to individuals, health care systems, and wider society
Digital technology can play a significant role in helping to boost vaccine uptake – 21 European countries have developed or are developing systems to record vaccination information digitally, according to a survey by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Five of the systems include automated reminders — the ability to nudge/remind adults of their next vaccination.
As health care costs rise and chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, become more prevalent among older adults, vaccines offer a preventive solution that can reduce the burden on health care systems. This preventive approach not only improves individual health outcomes but also supports economic stability by decreasing health care expenses.
To unlock the full potential of vaccines, a multi-stakeholder approach is essential. Governments, health care providers, and the vaccine industry must collaborate to enhance vaccine awareness, accessibility, and uptake. By prioritizing vaccination across all life stages, we can build healthier, more resilient societies and economies.
By prioritizing vaccination across all life stages, we can build healthier, more resilient societies and economies
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