Routine immunisation for adults and children alike is more than a health service — it’s core to our health security. Getting this right can determine how fast and effectively countries can respond in a crisis.

Later this year, the UN will hold a High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response. This will be a key moment to renew political commitment to health security and identify practical actions to reduce the impact of future outbreaks and pandemics.

Health shocks are security shocks. Population growth, urbanization, travel, and climate change are increasing the risk of pandemics and other health threats. With a ~50% probability of a pandemic of COVID-19 scale within 25 years, and with future pandemics estimated to cost more than 700 billion annually, investing in better preparedness and response is a strategic imperative for economic stability and health security.

Strengthening routine immunisation for adults and children alike represents one of the most effective ways of building and strengthening resiliency. Day to day, they deliver routine protection and reduce ill health, and in crises, they help determine how countries can respond at speed and scale.

A ready-to-deploy delivery network

Immunisation programmes rely on strong healthcare systems, trained healthcare professionals, and reporting capabilities. Having these in place not only delivers for routine immunization, but means that these and can be rapidly adapted and scaled when new threats emerge.

An always “on” system

Routine immunisation programmes also build habits of forecasting demand, managing stocks, and strengthening distribution routes to the “last mile”. Regular demand for vaccines also incentivises manufacturers to maintain and invest in production capacity— a critical asset for surging production during a pandemic.

Trust before the crisis

Regular immunisation programmes help build public awareness, familiarity with vaccination and trust in health authorities. This strengthens community engagement and the infrastructure necessary for rapid and widespread vaccine acceptance during an emergency, including managing misinformation.

A strategic preparedness and economic infrastructure

Routine immunization across the life course is not just a health program—it is a national capability. Strengthening it today is one of the smartest ways to be ready for tomorrow. It’s also an economic imperative: adult immuni​​s​​​​ation programme​​s can generate returns of up to 19 times their initial investment, through avoided hospitali​​s​​​​ations, reduced treatment costs,​ and preserved productivity.

This blog was originally published on Media Planet Global Health Resilience campaign for The Guardian on 18 June 2026.

Author

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  Laetitia Bigger Director, Vaccines Policy l.bigger@ifpma.org