Research!America is highlighting the vital importance of vaccines with a new fact sheet in its Investment in Research Saves Lives and Money series. CDC recently reported that routine vaccination rates are increasing among teens aged 13-17, but for many diseases the vaccination rates are far below the CDC's recommended 90% mark. With kids heading back to school and flu season fast approaching, now is a good time to remind readers of the importance of vaccines and disease prevention.
Vaccine prevention is one of the most proven and effective methods for saving lives and money. Experts consistently point to disease prevention as the key to reining in healthcare costs and improving quality of life. Research!America's new vaccines fact sheet highlights these and other important facts, such as:
• Every year, vaccines prevent at least 3 million deaths and save 750,000 children from disability worldwide;
• Series of seven vaccines given to children in the US saves $53 billion in direct and societal costs over the lifetime of those born in a single year; and
• During the 1950s in the US, smallpox had a mortality rate of 30% and affected 50 million people annually. By 1979, the disease was eradicated due to the global vaccination program.
With the help of additional research and funding and increased awareness about the importance of routine vaccinations, more diseases can be eradicated from the US and around the globe.
Research!America is the nation's largest not-for-profit public education and advocacy alliance working to make research to improve health a higher national priority. Founded in 1989, Research!America is supported by member organizations representing 125 million Americans. Visit www.researchamerica.org.
