Adult immunization can deliver a return of up to 19 times the initial investment in terms of health and socio-economic benefits — so why is it still an underused tool in Canada?

By 2030, nearly one-quarter of Canada’s population will be aged 65 years or older, marking a seismic demographic shift that will challenge the very fabric of our health-care system. Today, about 73 per cent of this older adult population have at least 1 of 10 common chronic diseases, and these conditions account for 67 per cent of all deaths among Canadian adults.

The economic burden of chronic disease is also significant, costing the Canadian health-care system billions of dollars every year. For example, diabetes alone is estimated to cost $30 billion annually in direct and indirect costs.

“Preventative health care, particularly adult immunization, is a game-changer in addressing the health challenges of an aging population. Vaccines are among the most effective interventions we have to prevent illness and reduce hospitalizations for older adults,” says Dr. Michelle Horn, country medical director, GSK Canada.

This proactive approach has the power to improve individual health outcomes and reduce strain on health-care systems while placing Canada at the forefront of global health leadership.

The power of adult immunization

The numbers speak for themselves: adult immunization can deliver a return of up to 19 times the initial investment in terms of health and socio-economic benefits.

“Vaccination is one of the most cost-effective public health tools available,” Dr. Horn underscores. “By increasing adult immunization rates, we can free up critical resources to address other pressing health priorities, such as managing chronic diseases and supporting long-term care.”

Vaccines exemplify the shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. Evidence-based immunization strategies are not only more effective but also more sustainable, ensuring that health-care systems remain resilient in the face of rising demands.

This is especially critical during respiratory virus season, when illnesses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can disproportionately impact older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. GSK plays a vital role in combating these seasonal diseases through its innovative vaccines, specifically designed to strengthen the immune system and reduce the burden of respiratory illnesses.

“Vaccines like our RSV and seasonal influenza immunization for older adults and others targeting respiratory conditions are essential tools to protect Canadians during the respiratory season,” notes Dr. Horn.

Challenges to overcome

Despite its clear benefits, adult immunization remains an underutilized tool in Canada. One significant barrier is underinvestment: Most of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s countries, including Canada, allocate just 5 per cent of their health budgets to prevention. This lack of prioritization leaves ample room for improvement.

Another hurdle is public awareness. While childhood immunization programs are well-established and widely understood, adult immunization often flies under the radar. This gap in knowledge limits the uptake of vaccines among adults, and particularly older adults who are most at risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.

A vision for Canadian leadership

“Canada has the potential to become a global leader in preventative health care by focusing on adult immunization,” says Alison Pozzobon, vice president, communications, government affairs and market access, GSK Canada.

“Increasing investment in vaccines and raising awareness about their benefits would allow Canada to be an example for other countries facing similar demographic and health-care challenges.”

Vaccines are the most cost-effective health intervention after clean water. They reduce health inequities, lower health-care costs, and bolster societal wellbeing. Canada can strengthen its health-care system and improve health outcomes for its aging population by leveraging vaccines.

GSK: Driving innovation in prevention

As a global leader in vaccines with a portfolio addressing 23 out of the 32 vaccine-preventable diseases identified by the World Health Organization, GSK is committed to advancing preventative health care in Canada.

“At GSK, we’re proud to partner with governments and stakeholders to expand access to adult immunization across Canada,” adds Pozzobon. “Our vaccine portfolio, including those for shingles, RSV and influenza, has the potential to unlock significant benefits for Canadians in terms of health outcomes and through reducing health-care costs and driving economic resilience.”

Prevention: A pillar of economic and societal resilience

The ripple effects of adult immunization extend far beyond individual health. Preventable conditions already cost G20 economies $1 trillion annually in productivity losses among those aged 50-64. Conversely, adult vaccination saves Canada $2.5 billion each year in health-care costs and lost productivity, alleviating financial pressures on both individuals and businesses.

Moreover, robust immunization programs help build societal resilience to future shocks, from pandemics to climate-related health challenges.

“Prevention is a strategic investment in the future stability of our health-care systems,” Dr. Horn emphasizes.

Vaccination as a catalyst

The path forward is clear: prevention is our first line of defense against future health threats and with adult immunization, Canada can emerge as a global beacon of innovation.

Vaccination serves as a catalyst for healthier communities, stronger economies, and a more resilient society. With GSK, a leader in vaccine innovation, as a partner, Canada is well-equipped to tackle future health threats, rising health-care demands, and the challenges of an aging population.

This content has been supplied by GSK.