A new APEC report raises concerns over declining vaccine
confidence and uptake across the region, increasing the risk
of preventable disease outbreaks and underscoring the urgent
need for stronger immunization policies and cross-border
collaboration.
Findings from the updated APEC
Regional Dashboard on Vaccination Across the Life-Course
reveal gaps in vaccine access, financing and data
collection, with only eight economies meeting the 95 percent
measles herd immunity threshold in 2023—a 27 percent drop
from 2022. The dashboard also highlights a decline in
vaccine confidence, with adults in at least 16 APEC
economies increasingly questioning the safety, effectiveness
and importance of vaccines.
“Strengthening
life-course immunization is critical to building resilient
healthcare systems and ensuring economic sustainability
across APEC economies,” said Dr Victor Yosef Melt Campos,
Chair of the APEC
Health Working Group.
“A well-vaccinated
population is not only healthier but also more productive,
contributing to stronger communities and a more robust
workforce,” Dr Campos added. “Investing in immunization
helps economies safeguard public health, enhance social
well-being, and create a foundation for sustainable growth
and prosperity.”
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Developed by the APEC Vaccines Task
Force under the Health Working Group, the dashboard tracks
progress on the APEC
Action Plan on Vaccination Across the Life-Course, a
regional strategy that supports member economies in
expanding vaccine access, strengthening immunization
programs and preparing for future health
challenges.
The dashboard highlights the
need to expand immunization programs beyond childhood to
include adolescents, adults and at-risk groups. Lessons from
the COVID-19 pandemic underscore the importance of scalable,
adaptable strategies to strengthen vaccine uptake across
different population segments.
Gaps in
data collection and assessment remain a critical challenge,
according to the dashboard. Only one-third of APEC economies
currently track the indirect benefits of vaccination,
despite growing evidence that adult vaccines can return up
to 19 times their initial investment.
Additionally,
just over half of APEC economies have a comprehensive
framework to assess both the economic and social benefits of
immunization. Strengthening evidence-based policymaking and
ensuring that vaccine investments align with broader
economic and public health goals will be key to improving
immunization outcomes across the region.
The dashboard
also underscores the importance financial sustainability for
immunization programs. The dashboard highlights best
practices, including free vaccines for older adults,
multi-year procurement contracts and tax levies to support
vaccine programs.
Pandemic preparedness remains a key
priority. While 90 percent of APEC economies have
established preparedness strategies, fewer have introduced
catch-up vaccination plans to address routine immunization
disruptions. Strengthening surveillance systems, harmonizing
regulatory frameworks and ensuring rapid vaccine deployment
in response to outbreaks will be essential to mitigating
future health crises
With 2025 marking the halfway
point for both the APEC Action Plan on Vaccination Across
the Life-Course and the WHO Immunization Agenda 2030, the
dashboard urges member economies to accelerate efforts to
strengthen immunization systems. Sustainable and adaptable
policies will be essential to ensuring resilient vaccination
programs amid evolving public health challenges.
The
APEC Vaccines Task Force remains committed to fostering
collaboration and knowledge-sharing to support economies in
enhancing immunization coverage. For more information, visit
this
page or contact apecvtf@gmail.com.
