Routine childhood immunizations in the United States have prevented 508 million illnesses and over 1 million deaths among children born between 1994 and 2023, according to a recent analysis.
The incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases over the past 3 decades has decreased as a result of routine childhood immunizations in the United States, supported by the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. Initiated in response to a measles resurgence in the early 1990s, the VFC program provides vaccines at no cost to eligible children, thereby ensuring broad access to essential immunizations.
The analysis, published in the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, quantified these benefits, estimating that routine immunizations for approximately 117 million children born between 1994 and 2023 prevented 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1.1 million deaths.
Estimates suggested that the measles vaccine prevented around 104.9 million cases of measles, while the varicella vaccine averted approximately 106.3 million cases of varicella, representing the highest number of illnesses prevented. Additionally, the diphtheria vaccine was credited with preventing about 752,800 deaths, marking it as a major contributor to reducing mortality. The analysis also detailed the number of hospitalizations and deaths avoided because of specific vaccines, including 13.2 million hospitalizations prevented by the measles vaccine and 123,200 deaths by the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
From an economic perspective, direct savings were reported at $540 billion, with societal savings reaching $2.7 trillion. The benefit-cost ratios for childhood immunizations were found to be significant, with a payer ratio of 3.3 and a societal ratio of 10.9, indicating substantial returns on investment—$3.30 in direct savings and $10.90 in broader societal savings.
These findings underscored the VFC program's role in reducing health care costs and improving public health outcomes. The program has been important in maintaining high vaccination coverage, especially among populations facing financial barriers to health care. In 2023, about 54% of children under 18 years old were eligible for VFC vaccines, reflecting the program's extensive reach.
Routine childhood immunizations continue to prove their value as a cost-effective public health strategy. Beyond individual health benefits, these immunizations have contributed significantly to societal well-being and economic stability. As challenges like vaccine hesitancy and access disparities persist, the VFC program remains vital in promoting health equity and protecting the health of U.S. children. Continued investment in childhood immunization programs may be necessary to sustain these health and economic benefits for future generations.
No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.
