Toward making adult immunization a standard in healthcare

For every life saved through vaccination, an average of 66 additional years of healthy living is gained.

However, only a few countries recommend comprehensive vaccination for all age groups.

As World Immunization Week approaches, observed from April 24 to 30, it is an opportune time to reflect on global demographic shifts – most notably, the growing trend of aging populations.

According to WHO, the global population aged 60 and older is increasing rapidly, rising from one billion in 2020 to an estimated 1.4 billion by 2030.

Population aging presents a significant public health challenge as older adults are more susceptible to chronic diseases and preventable illnesses.

Notably, there are now protective measures available against 25 infectious diseases, yet adult vaccination rates remain low worldwide.

To address this challenge, it is essential to build trust and raise awareness about the importance of keeping individuals and communities healthy through protective measures such as adult vaccination.

This requires a shift in the healthcare model from treatment-focused interventions to preventive approaches, leveraging technology and innovations, and positioning vaccination as an effective tool in public health.

"Investing in adult vaccination is crucial to preventing diseases and improving outcomes for individuals, society, healthcare systems, and the economy," said Dr. Pham Thi My Lien, president of GSK Vietnam.

"During World Immunization Week 2025, we together with our strategic partners continue our efforts to shift from 'patient care' to 'proactive health care' through initiatives that enhance access and build trust in the value of adult vaccination, establishing prevention as the standard of care."

With advancements in science and technology, the health sector has the potential to prevent and alter the course of diseases more effectively and rapidly, improving outcomes for individuals, healthcare systems, and economies.

At the same time, these advancements help address broader challenges such as antibiotic resistance, climate change, and an aging population.

Notably, adult vaccination can deliver benefits averaging 19 times the cost of healthcare investment, along with broader socioeconomic advantages – enabling older adults to remain active and healthier.

There is an opportunity to redefine health and healthcare – not merely as the treatment of illness, but as an investment in individual well-being that contributes to a healthier and more prosperous future.