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Athens, 23 April 2026.- On the occasion of European Immunisation Week (19–25 April 2026), the crucial role of vaccination programmes as a fundamental pillar for public health and the prevention of serious diseases is once again highlighted. This year’s World Health Organization’s message, “For every generation, vaccines work”, highlights the need to maintain high vaccination coverage across all age groups,  throughout life.

Vaccination programmes are an investment with multiplier benefits for the health and well-being of the population, as, together with access to safe water, they are among the interventions with the greatest impact on reducing mortality and maintaining the existing population. Their proper implementation reduces the budgetary burden of preventable diseases, reduces lost working hours and increases labour productivity . The recent pandemic has demonstrated its importance, with COVID-19 vaccination saving 2.5 million lives worldwide in 2020–2024, corresponding to 15 million years of life gained. In an environment of increasing challenges – such as an ageing population, climate change and antimicrobial resistance – vaccines are a shield of protection for the sustainability of health systems and social well-being. Particularly in Greece, where the proportion of those aged 65 and over is expected to increase further to 34% by 2025.

At the same time, according to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial resistance already causes over 1.3 million deaths annually and is estimated to be the number one cause of death worldwide by 2050.  In Greece, antibiotic consumption remains extremely high, both in the community and in hospitals, with 28.5 daily doses per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to a European average of 20. Similarly, the threat of Alzheimer’s disease arises from the large survey conducted in 2023 by the National Public Health Organization (EODY) in ten large public hospitals in our country. Specifically, it is reported that Greece ranks first among European countries in the prevalence of Nosocomial Infections (NL), while it records one of the highest rates of FM in Europe for specific microbial strains. The rates of MA in Greece show an increase compared to the pre-COVID-19 pandemic years.

Vaccination concerns all age groups and is an act of individual and collective responsibility, as through community immunity, the benefits are extended to the entire population. In Greece, the assessment of the value of investment in vaccinations, and the multiplier return, is published in a recent study according to which the correct implementation of the recommendations for nine (9) routine vaccinations for children aged 2 months to 11 years, targeting 14 vaccine-preventable diseases: diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenza type B,  measles, meningococcal disease, mumps, pertussis, pneumococcal disease, poliomyelitis, rotavirus, rubella, tetanus and chickenpox prevent 447,221 cases of disease, 242 deaths, and the loss of 6,682 years of life in the 2022 cohort (82,700 children). In addition, the existence of the paediatric LTD was associated with savings of almost €201.4 million. Taking into account the cost of the vaccination program, the reduced treatment costs, the reduced loss of work, improved quality of life and fewer deaths, every 1 euro invested in vaccinations is predicted to bring 8.5 euros in social cost savings in our country. In addition, recent evidence shows that immunizing infants in Greece with the monoclonal antibody can prevent 2,716 hospitalizations annually and lead to savings of more than €20 million.

Advancements in vaccine research and development are characterized by strong technological advancement, an expanded focus on diseases, and a significant number of advanced development product candidates. The use of new technological platforms and innovative approaches enhances the ability to prevent and respond to existing and emerging threats to public health.

Greece has one of the most modern vaccination programs, both in covering the child, adolescent and adult population. However, the new challenges indicate the need to take measures aimed at the widespread implementation of the programs so that the State can reap the greatest possible benefit from the investment. In this direction, the following factors are critical:

1. Establish distinct and clearly defined stages for the development and reimbursement of vaccination programmes;
2. Establish vaccination targets that reflect the commitment of health authorities;
3. Development and implementation of mechanisms for recording and monitoring vaccination coverage;
4. Designing a sustainable budget that responds to health needs and scientific developments;
5. Creation of alliances of all stakeholders to highlight the value of vaccination.

Investing in prevention today shapes a more resilient health system for tomorrow, protecting not only the individual but also the whole of society. Continued political support, simplification of regulatory processes and continued investment in innovation are key to translating these scientific developments into tangible public health benefits.

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Boccalini, S. (2025). Value of vaccinations: A fundamental public health priority to be fully evaluated. Vaccines, 13(5), 479.

Ioannidis, J. P., Pezzullo, A. M., Cristiano, A., & Boccia, S. (2025, July). Global estimates of lives and life-years saved by COVID-19 vaccination during 2020-2024. In JAMA Health Forum (Vol. 6, No. 7, pp. e252223-e252223). American Medical Association.

European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Antimicrobial consumption in the EU/EEA (ESAC-Net) – Annual Epidemiological Report 2023. ECDC, Stockholm, 2024.https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/antimicrobial-consumption-eueea-esac-net-annual-epidemiological-report-2023

National Public Health Organization, Surveillance Results of Antimicrobial Resistance, Antibiotic Consumption and Healthcare-Associated Infections, Athens 2023

Gountas, I., Talbird, S. E., Carrico, J., Cook, C., Skroumpelos, A., Boutselakou, E., … Sabale, U. (2025). The public health and economic impact of the Greek pediatric national immunization program. Expert Review of Vaccines, 24(1), 924–935. https://doi.org/10.1080/14760584.2025.2564170.

Rigopoulos P, Stratopoulos A, Ghemmouri M, Mortaki K, Kougioumtzoglou I. CO192 Projected public health benefits of nirsevimab for RSV prevention in infants in Greece. Value Health. 2025; 28(12 Suppl):S80–S81.

The new SFEE Policy Paper highlights the critical role of vaccination programs as a fundamental pillar of public health.
Read the full document here: www.sfee.gr/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/vaccine-ENG.pdf