Last week, the New Hampshire Public Health Association posted a blog promoting the safety and efficacy of vaccines. The blog referenced the preventative health benefits of vaccinations, especially for children regarding polio, measles and small pox. In addition, the post noted the false information recently posted on the CDC website that vaccinations cause autism. This CDC statement has already lead to confusion on the part of many. There is no research evidence demonstrating that autism is caused by vaccines.
We know vaccines are one of the most effective public health interventions, providing significant health benefits. Vaccines are also positively related to future school enrollment and cognitive development, contributing to a more skilled and productive workforce which contributes to a more productive economy. Some evidence suggests a positive link between vaccination and cognitive development. For example, children immunized with a set of six basic vaccines may score better on cognitive tests.
Other studies from the National Institute of Health show that receiving a full vaccination schedule can lead to measurable gains in learning achievement, with one study finding a 4% to 6% increase. The measles vaccine, in particular, has been linked to additional years of schooling for children, possibly through preventing infections that would otherwise harm cognitive development.
In addition, vaccines provide economic benefits. By preventing diseases, vaccines reduce health care costs, improve productivity and contribute to economic growth. According to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, vaccines can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and dementia, leading to significant health care savings. Flu, RSV and pneumococcal vaccines are linked to a reduced risk of cardiovascular events in older adults. By preventing these diseases, vaccines can help individuals and families avoid costly hospitalizations and long-term care — they protect workforce productivity, reduce absenteeism and help families sustain a reliable income and reduce their health care costs.
Vaccination is widely recognized as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in an earlier post, reports that routine childhood vaccinations in the United States have prevented approximately 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1,129,000 deaths from 1994 to 2023. This has resulted in direct savings of $540 billion and societal savings of $2.7 trillion[4].
The bottom line is that vaccines are not only good for your health, but also good for a person’s growth and development and for reducing health care expenses. Overall, vaccines provide substantial health and economic benefits by preventing diseases, reducing health care costs and contributing to economic growth. The evidence from reputable institutions and researchers underscores the importance of investing in immunization programs to achieve long-term health and economic gains.
As we enter the holiday season, we are also entering the season when flu, COVID-19 and RSV illnesses spread. Viruses are on the increase this time of year, we spend more time celebrating with friends and family in doors, so these circumstances may lead, unknowingly, to the spread of illness. Let’s protect our families, our friends and ourselves. Talk with your health care provider or a public health official who can help you make the best decision for your health and economic future.
Michael J. Cohen is a principal consultant at MJC Health Solutions, LLC. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the NH Association of Conservation Commissions. He lives in Amherst.