Chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental and neurological conditions are increasing worldwide. Recent research reveals that these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) cause 75 percent of global deaths. Currently, one in three people live with an NCD. Beyond the personal toll, these diseases heavily strain health systems and reduce economic productivity. Globally, NCDs cost economies an estimated $2 trillion every year.
While vaccines are widely known for preventing infectious diseases, their role in protecting people with chronic conditions and even preventing some NCDs is less recognized. Prevention remains key, and immunization is a cornerstone of effective healthcare.
Under Hungary’s presidency, the European Council emphasized stronger efforts to prevent cardiovascular diseases. It specifically acknowledged that vaccines against influenza, pneumococcal infections, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are vital for patients with cardiovascular conditions. The council also called for systematic vaccination to be integrated alongside screening, treatment, and rehabilitation in cardiovascular care.
Later this year, the United Nations will discuss a new political declaration to combat the rise of NCDs. This presents a crucial chance to highlight the benefits of vaccines and ensure adult immunization is central to preventing and managing these diseases. Doing so will reduce the burden on individuals and healthcare systems and support economic growth and healthier future generations.
Adult immunization is a cost-effective way to protect people with chronic diseases, especially against respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal disease, and RSV. These infections can worsen chronic conditions, cause complications, and lead to preventable hospital stays or death. For instance, people with diabetes are twice as likely to die from influenza compared to those without chronic illnesses.
Vaccinating adults with NCDs strengthens prevention, protects vulnerable groups, and reduces pressure on healthcare systems, especially during seasonal infection peaks and as populations age. It also helps people remain productive in education and work. For example, flu vaccines can lower the risk of death from stroke by 50 percent and from heart attack by 45 percent in people with cardiovascular disease. The COVID-19 vaccine can reduce hospitalizations by about 80 percent for those with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or COPD.
Despite these benefits, vaccination policies for adults with chronic conditions are limited and unevenly applied. According to the World Health Organization, only 58 percent of member states offer flu vaccines to adults with chronic illnesses, and just 23 percent provide pneumococcal vaccines. Many regions, including Europe, struggle to reach vaccination targets. In 2022, only half of Europeans aged 65 and older received a flu vaccine. Globally, adult flu vaccination rates vary widely—from 6 percent to 86 percent—showing major disparities. These gaps represent missed opportunities to protect the most at-risk populations.
Vaccines also play a key role in lowering cancer risks. Some cancers are caused by viruses, so preventing these infections can stop certain cancers from developing. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is highly effective at preventing HPV-related cancers, with the potential to eliminate cervical cancer in some countries within our lifetime. Vaccines against Hepatitis B are essential for reducing liver cancer. Together, HPV and Hepatitis B vaccinations could prevent over one million cancer cases worldwide each year.
Emerging studies suggest vaccines may also help protect the brain from damage that leads to dementia. A recent study in Wales found that shingles vaccination reduced dementia risk by 20 percent. This highlights how real-world evidence supports the role of vaccines in preventing NCDs and promoting healthy aging.
The upcoming UN political declaration on NCDs offers a real opportunity to place vaccination at the center of global efforts. Recognizing immunization as a fundamental part of NCD prevention and management would be a major step forward.
To achieve this, policymakers should take action across four areas: First, adult immunization must be integrated into NCD care worldwide, especially vaccines against respiratory infections. Second, access to vaccines for people with NCDs should be expanded to prevent complications and reduce hospital stays. Third, public awareness and healthcare provider education about vaccine benefits must be improved. Finally, systems should track vaccination coverage among people with NCDs to ensure accountability and progress.
Incorporating routine adult vaccination into NCD prevention offers a cost-effective way to reduce disease burden, ease healthcare system pressures, and support economic resilience. Studies show adult vaccination programs can deliver socio-economic returns up to 19 times their costs. As countries face rising chronic disease rates, aging populations, workforce shortages, and tight budgets, investing in prevention through immunization is not only good health policy—it is smart economics.
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