Merck & Co., Inc.

Value of Vaccines: Two Centuries of Unparalleled Medical Progress

Since the discovery of modern vaccination over 200 years ago, vaccines have proved to be one of the most successful and cost-effective public health interventions. With the exception of clean, safe drinking water, no treatment rivals immunization in reducing mortality rates. Vaccine use has resulted in the global eradication of smallpox and regional elimination of polio and measles, and vaccines save the lives of over 2 million children each year.

In recognition of the crucial role played by vaccines in improving public health around the world, the IFPMA has produced a new publication ‘The Value of Vaccines: Two Centuries of Unparalleled Medical Progress’. This booklet outlines the science behind existing vaccines, reviews those in the pipeline and explains the steps industry and international organizations are taking to ensure people across the globe have access to these important products.