Increasing investment in adult immunisation has the potential to deliver $1.1 billion in benefits every year, according to a new report commissioned by GSK, examining the opportunity to increase access to vaccination and disease prevention.1
Prevention: A Productivity Superpower was launched by GSK Australia at Parliament House, Canberra today and demonstrates that every dollar invested to vaccinate adults against common illnesses provides a $3.50 economic return. This is achieved by reducing demands on health, government services and carers, boosting workplace productivity and economic participation. While also improving life expectancy and quality of life.1
Study authors, Evaluate Consulting (commissioned by GSK), examined the cost-effectiveness of preventing diseases like shingles, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pertussis (whooping cough) and diphtheria. The analysis showed that addressing gaps in adult immunisation as a priority can deliver a $1.1 billion net economic impact. This includes:
- $152 million return annually by vaccinating people aged 50 years for shingles.
- $303 million return annually by vaccinating all people for influenza.
- $687 million return annually by vaccinating people aged age 75 years and older, and high-risk populations 60 years to 74 for Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Saul Eslake, an independent economist, says immunisation is one of the most economically effective public health measures, second only to clean water.
“As the population ages, vaccinations become even more valuable by helping Australians to live well for longer,” Mr Eslake says.
“Preventing disease is vital to Australia’s future economic resilience, as a healthy ageing population positively impacts workforce productivity, participation, and economic growth.”
Evaluate Consulting explored the cost-effectiveness of vaccines recommended for adults in the Australian Immunisation Handbook but not fully funded by the Australian Government. The analysis considered the investment required to deliver access to these vaccines and preventable disease costs including short and long term health system, productivity, tax, government services and carers implications.
Associate Professor John Litt, a retired academic, GP and public health physician, says it is important all Australians, regardless of location or economic status, have access to the vaccinations they need.
“Underinvestment in vaccination disproportionately affects our most disadvantaged communities. Enhancing vaccine access for adults will help secure health and economic wellbeing for Australians, paving the way for a healthier future for all,” says Associate Professor Litt.
Dr Alan Paul, Executive Country Medical Director at GSK Australia, says the report was designed to help governments make investments to ensure economic sustainability.
“Economic growth has slowed, cost-of-living increases and inflation pressures are impacting households. Our population is ageing: demand for care and support services is escalating,” Dr Paul says.
“These are powerful economic forces that have the potential to lead to a futureere government spending will outweigh revenue for the foreseeable future.2
“This places Australia at a critical decision point. Governments are making decisions on the reforms and investments that can secure our economic sustainability. This report is designed to help government make those decisions.’’
In addition to identifying the barriers to adult immunisation, the report calls on the Australian Government to consider the potential to maximise the benefits from adult vaccination by:
- Reforming reimbursement systems and processes to recognise the long-term societal and financial benefits of vaccines and disease prevention.
- Prioritising adult vaccination in the delivery of the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This includes setting a 95 per cent adult immunisation target consistent with the childhood immunisation program, and partnering with the community and health sector to increase vaccine awareness and confidence.
The full version of the report can be found here: www.au.gsk.com
GSK acknowledges that like any medical intervention, vaccinations come with benefits and risks.
ENDS
References
1 GSK. 2024. Prevention: A Productivity Superpower - The economic value of adult vaccination in Australia. Available at: https://au.gsk.com/
2 Australian Government. Intergenerational Report 2023 – Australia's future to 2063. Available at: https://treasury.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-08/p2023-435150.pdf
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