IMFIN brief 1: Why immunization and immunization financing matter

What is the value of immunization? Why is it important for governments to finance it? What new financing needs should countries plan for?

Key points

• Vaccines can save millions of lives and bring many other benefits, including healthier children, increased school attendance, and increased productivity. Immunization services are also a cornerstone of primary health care and can serve as a foundation for other vital health services.
• Immunization is an exceptionally good value, returning many dollars in economic benefits for every dollar spent.
• Immunization must be sustained indefinitely and is therefore a long-term investment that requires stable, long-term financing.
• Governments have an opportunity to introduce a number of vaccines of great public health importance, but many face financing challenges. Gavi-supported countries must plan to fully fund
  their programs from domestic sources after Gavi support ends, and countries that are not Gavi-eligible must contend with uncertain vaccine prices.