With busy schedules, it’s easy to let vaccines slip through the cracks. Staying up to date with adult vaccines is one of the best ways to protect your health.
Adult vaccines help prevent serious illnesses like the flu, shingles and pneumonia. They’re safe, effective and designed to boost your protection so you can keep doing the things that matter — whether that’s working, spending time with family or travelling. Certain vaccines are recommended just for adults, because prevention doesn’t stop in childhood.
The real impact of adult vaccines
A report commissioned by Praxus Health on behalf of the Adult Vaccination Alliance (AVA) and prepared by IQVIA Canada highlights the economic and health care benefits of increasing adult vaccination rates.
The report focuses on six key adult vaccines — COVID-19, influenza, HPV, pneumococcal, RSV and RZV (shingles) — and shows how immunization plays a vital role in keeping Canadians healthy. These vaccines don’t just prevent illness, they help reduce hospital stays and allow people to stay engaged in their work, families and communities.
According to the report, adult vaccines deliver an estimated $2.5 billion in value to Canada’s health care system and economy each year. That includes $1.9 billion in productivity gains and $514 million in reduced pressure on hospitals and providers.
Every $1 spent on adult vaccines returns $3.41 in value by preventing an estimated 17,000 hospitalizations, 3,100 premature deaths and freeing up 57,000 hours of physician time annually.
Employers can play an important role
Most adults spend a significant portion of their lives at work, making employers key partners in promoting adult vaccination. From including vaccines in benefit plans to offering workplace clinics, there are many ways employers can help their staff stay protected.
Vaccines help prevent up to 12 million hours of missed work in Canada each year, which means fewer sick days and more productivity. Yet, only 61 per cent of Canadian benefits plans include vaccine coverage. The cost to include vaccines is relatively low — often just 0.5 to 1 per cent of a health insurance premium.
Vaccine-preventable illnesses remain common among adults and can seriously disrupt workflow. Employers who champion vaccination help reduce sick days, prevent workplace outbreaks and keep their teams healthy, focused and productive.
Barriers to access
Despite strong evidence supporting adult vaccination, many people still go without — and cost is a major barrier.
Unlike most childhood vaccines, many adult vaccines aren’t publicly funded. This leaves individuals to cover the cost out of pocket. Expanding public funding for adult vaccines would help remove these barriers and ensure more Canadians are protected.
When vaccines are accessible, there are fewer hospital visits, less strain on the health care system and better health outcomes.
Taking action
If you’re looking to support the health and wellness of your organization, the Employer Health Prevention Centre is a one-stop resource for vaccination information and tools to foster healthier workplaces and increase awareness about the importance of vaccination.
To learn more about the broader impact of adult immunization, visit the Adult Vaccine Alliance (AVA) website, which offers insights into how vaccines protect not just individual health, but our economy and health care system.
