The Value of Immunization

The future of healthcare in Europe is increasingly centered on prevention. Enhancing the overall health of the population through preventive measures, rather than relying solely on treatments, stands as an economic imperative. Vaccines, in particular, play a pivotal role in combating well-established infectious diseases and represent a beacon of hope for emerging health threats.

European Union (EU) health authorities recognize vaccination as a critical tool for prevention and acknowledge its status as one of the most cost-effective healthcare interventions available. Thanks to well-executed vaccination programs in developed countries, numerous infectious diseases have neared elimination, and in some cases, even eradication. These successful vaccination initiatives led the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare the European Union a polio-free region in 2002.

However, despite the high effectiveness and safety of today’s vaccines, several challenges persist. Threats such as bacterial or viral infections from Haemophilus influenza type b or the measles virus continue to endanger the health of individuals who remain unvaccinated. It is in the best interest of society to maintain a healthy population by utilizing vaccines to prevent the occurrence and spread of these diseases.

Individual decisions regarding vaccination should be based on rational assessments of available data rather than unfounded fears. Therefore, in 2004, the European Vaccine Manufacturers (EVM) commissioned a quantitative survey conducted by Psyma International Medical to evaluate the perceptions of vaccines and vaccination among both the general public and healthcare professionals. The survey results are presented below.

For additional information, please visit: www.evm-vaccines.org