Journal of Vaccine Research 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 54-64 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/jvr 60 public health impact of the Hib vaccine. Studies show that as Hib vaccination rates increase, the global incidence of Hib-related diseases significantly declines, leading to a corresponding reduction in antibiotic use, effectively curbing the spread of antibiotic resistance. In summary, vaccination strategies targeting infections such as pneumococcal and influenza have shown significant benefits in reducing antimicrobial resistance. These vaccines not only prevent infections but also decrease the demand for antibiotics, thereby reducing the selection pressure for resistant strains. Implementing and expanding vaccination programs globally is crucial to maximize these benefits and address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). 6 Economic Impact of Vaccination in Reducing AMR 6.1 Cost-effectiveness of vaccines Vaccination has been shown to be a cost-effective strategy in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). For instance, the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in Ethiopia has significantly slowed the development of AMR, resulting in substantial economic savings. Between 2011 and 2017, PCV vaccination averted approximately 718,100 antibiotic treatment failures and 9,520 AMR-related deaths, leading to savings of $32.7 million (Ozawa et al., 2021). Maintaining current PCV immunization coverage is projected to contribute an additional $7.67 million in annual AMR cost savings over five years, with potential savings increasing to $11.43 million if coverage is expanded to 85% by 2022 (Ozawa et al., 2021). This demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of vaccines in mitigating AMR by reducing the need for antibiotic treatments and associated healthcare costs. 6.2 Healthcare savings Vaccination not only reduces the incidence of diseases but also leads to significant healthcare savings by decreasing the need for antibiotic use and preventing antibiotic-resistant infections. For example, influenza vaccination can reduce the number of bacterial superimposed infections that complicate influenza, thereby reducing antibiotic prescriptions and associated healthcare costs (Esposito and Principi, 2018). Additionally, vaccines like those for Haemophilus influenzae type B and Streptococcus pneumoniae have proven effective in reducing unwarranted antibiotic consumption and promoting herd immunity, further contributing to healthcare savings (Jansen et al., 2021). These reductions in antibiotic use and resistance translate into fewer hospital admissions and lower healthcare expenditures, highlighting the economic benefits of vaccination programs. 6.3 Broader economic implications The broader economic implications of vaccination in reducing AMR extend beyond direct healthcare savings. By preventing infections and reducing the spread of resistant pathogens, vaccines contribute to overall public health and economic stability. The reduction in disease burden and antibiotic use can lead to increased productivity and reduced absenteeism, benefiting the economy at large (Lipsitch and Siber, 2016; Buchy et al., 2019). Furthermore, the development and implementation of vaccines can stimulate economic growth by creating jobs in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and reducing the long-term economic impact of AMR (Dadgostar, 2019). International collaborations and investments in vaccine research and development are crucial for maximizing these broader economic benefits and effectively combating AMR on a global scale (Kumar, 2018; Costanzo and Roviello, 2023). Vaccination strategies play a critical role in reducing AMR and offer substantial economic benefits through cost-effectiveness, healthcare savings, and broader economic implications. The continued support and expansion of vaccination programs are essential for mitigating the global threat of AMR and ensuring sustainable economic growth. 7 Challenges and Barriers to Effective Vaccination 7.1 Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation Vaccine hesitancy, driven by misinformation and distrust in vaccines, poses a significant barrier to achieving high vaccination coverage. Misinformation about vaccine safety and efficacy can spread rapidly through social media
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