A modeling study published yesterday in
The
Lancet estimates that vaccination against 10 diseases from 2000 to 2030 will prevent 69 million vaccine-preventable deaths (VPDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The study suggests that a baby born in 2019 in 98 LMICs countries will experience 72% lower mortality from the 10 diseases, including measles, rotavirus, human papillomavirus, and hepatitis, over their lifetime than if there were no immunizations. Our modelling has provided robust evidence on the effectiveness of vaccination programmes in LMICs and indicated what might be lost if current vaccination programmes are not sustained,” said Caroline Trotter, PhD, from the University of Cambridge, a co-author of the study in a Lancet press release.
Just 10 vaccines have saved 36 million children in the past two decades
Researchers call for further investment in vaccine programs
Vaccinations for 10 major diseases have prevented the deaths of 37 million people in nearly a hundred low- and middle-income countries since the turn of the century, according to a new modeling study. The news comes amid widespread hesitancy around COVID-19 vaccines, which are starting to roll out in several countries, reminding the world of just how important vaccines are for us.
Image credit: Flickr / Ericsson.
Side effects: Might save your life
Vaccines have been responsible for substantial reductions in mortality and are among the most cost-effective health interventions in the world, the authors of a new study point out . In addition to direct protection provided to vaccinated individuals, high levels of vaccination coverage offer indirect protection (herd immunity) to the remaining unvaccinated individuals.