The value of vaccination
The value of vaccination
Vaccination protects health at every stage of life and delivers significant benefits to society and healthcare systems.
Current challenges
Population ageing, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and migration flows highlight the importance of prevention.
Lifelong vaccination and its benefits
More than 154 million lives have been saved over the past 50 years. In Greece, every €1 invested in childhood immunisation generates €8.5 in societal cost savings, while adult immunisation programmes can deliver socioeconomic benefits of up to 19 times the initial investment.
Vaccination does not end in childhood. As we age, the immune system weakens, increasing vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases. Protection remains essential at every stage of life.
Preventing respiratory infections supports healthy ageing. It helps reduce pneumonia and related complications, including cardiovascular complications, while helping older adults maintain their independence.
Policy priorities
Three policy priorities: Setting immunisation targets, recording and monitoring vaccination coverage, and strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders.
Statements from institutional representatives
Representatives of government, the scientific community, and patient organisations highlight the importance of vaccination.
