We know that the economy, and society in general, can benefit vastly from improving immunization uptake across all age groups. There's clear evidence that immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions we have. We know that every $1 invested in adult immunization generates up to $19 back to the health system and society, and that in combination with other preventative interventions it can generate up to $40 per $1 spent.

In addition to this, the value of immunization extends far beyond reducing direct health costs and days of work missed. Demographic change, and its effects on our health systems and economies, means we can’t afford to overlook preventable diseases anymore.

Yet, across the G20, many countries still don’t have comprehensive life course immunization programs; in addition, they continue to invest too little in immunization at all ages. Countries must invest more in life course immunization programs and do so sustainably. We know that immunization isn’t just for children: failing to prioritize immunization into adulthood has adverse impacts on our health and our economies.

Inequalities of vaccination access, both within individual countries and between different ones, must be addressed.

ILC has recommendations for action at the health system and international levels, based on evidence that we’ve gathered during this program of work. For instance, health systems must prioritize data collection and knowledge-sharing to identify and rectify inequalities between communities. This will help us to develop immunization programs across the world with a clear understanding of our progress so far.

Most importantly, we all have a role to play in changing the culture and attitudes around immunization, ensuring that uptake remains high throughout our lives, along with engagement with immunization programs.