Chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and mental health disorders, are increasingly prevalent, accounting for 75 percent of global deaths. Currently, one in three individuals worldwide is affected by a non-communicable disease (NCD). The burden these conditions place on healthcare systems is staggering, coupled with an estimated economic loss of $2 trillion annually due to decreased productivity.
The overlooked connection between vaccines and chronic diseases
While immunization is widely recognized as a key preventive healthcare strategy against infectious diseases, its significance in protecting those with chronic illnesses is often underestimated. Recent initiatives under the Hungarian presidency of the European Council have emphasized the necessity of vaccines, such as those for influenza and pneumococcal infections, for patients with cardiovascular conditions. This initiative seeks to integrate vaccination as part of a comprehensive framework that includes screening, treatment, and rehabilitation.
This year, the United Nations is set to discuss a new political declaration aimed at addressing the surge of NCDs, providing an essential platform to highlight the benefits of vaccines and promote adult immunization as a cornerstone of NCD prevention and management. Such measures are crucial not only for alleviating individual and system burdens but also for fostering healthier generations to come.
Integrating adult immunization within NCD care
Vaccinating adults, especially those with chronic conditions, is a cost-effective intervention that significantly mitigates the risk of severe respiratory infections such as COVID-19 and influenza. These infections can exacerbate chronic conditions and lead to unnecessary hospitalizations. For instance, individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to succumb to influenza compared to those without underlying health issues.
Immunization against respiratory diseases is a practical, evidence-based strategy for enhancing prevention efforts while reducing the strain on healthcare systems, especially as populations grow older and the prevalence of NCDs increases. Vaccines like the flu shot can lower the mortality risk from strokes by 50 percent and from heart attacks by 45 percent for cardiovascular patients. Moreover, COVID-19 vaccination can reduce hospitalization risks for those with chronic respiratory diseases by approximately 80 percent.
Despite these benefits, vaccination policies for adults with chronic illnesses remain underdeveloped and inconsistently applied across different regions. Data reveals that only 58 percent of World Health Organization member states provide flu vaccinations to adults with chronic conditions, and a mere 23 percent offer pneumococcal vaccine access. This indicates significant gaps in adult vaccination initiatives, particularly in Europe, where achieving a 75 percent flu vaccination target has proven difficult.
“Together, vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B could prevent over one million cancer cases worldwide every year.”
The preventive power of vaccines extends beyond infectious diseases; they can also significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers caused by viral infections. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine shows great promise in preventing HPV-related cancers, potentially eradicating cervical cancer in certain nations while also diminishing the incidence of other related cancers. Similarly, enhancing the availability and uptake of Hepatitis B vaccines is crucial for decreasing liver cancer rates.
Emerging studies suggest that vaccines may also have a protective effect against neurological conditions such as dementia. Research involving 280,000 individuals in Wales indicated a 20 percent reduction in dementia risk following shingles vaccination, emphasizing the broader implications of immunization in promoting healthy aging.
The upcoming UN declaration presents a pivotal opportunity to elevate vaccination as a key component in the battle against NCDs. Recognizing immunization as a fundamental aspect of NCD prevention and management would significantly enhance public health initiatives.
To effectively incorporate lifelong immunization programs into NCD management, policymakers should prioritize four key areas: first, ensure adult immunization is a core element of NCD care; second, expand vaccine access for those living with NCDs; third, promote awareness about the importance of immunization among patients; and finally, establish robust systems to monitor immunization coverage for those with chronic diseases.
Investing in routine adult immunization not only serves as a cost-effective strategy for improving public health outcomes but also delivers significant economic advantages. Reports indicate that adult vaccination programs can yield socio-economic benefits up to 19 times the initial investment, underscoring that prioritizing prevention is not just a health imperative, but also a prudent economic decision in the face of rising chronic disease rates and aging populations.