Why Life-course Immunisation cannot be ignored anymore

As the World Health Organisation says for over 200 years, vaccines have protected us against diseases that threaten lives and prohibit our development. With the help of vaccines, we can progress without the burden of diseases, which cost humanity hundreds of millions of lives. This World Immunisation Week (observed on April 24-30) is a reminder that vaccines work – not just against COVID-19 but also in protecting people of all ages against various other diseases.

It is a well-known fact that the population in Asia is ageing. In this region, the proportion of the ageing population is predicted to nearly double – from 7.73 per cent in 2015 to 15.49 per cent in 2035. Asia accounted for only 44 per cent of the global older adult population in 1950, but by 2050, this share is projected to increase to 62 per cent. Simply put, within the next few decades, Asia is poised to become the ‘oldest’ region in the world.

Older age brings with it new opportunities to pursue new activities in the form of further education and exciting career extensions, and also contribute in many ways for family members and giving back to society through acts of volunteering. Yet, the extent of these opportunities and contributions crucially depends on one factor good health. As populations age, chronic health complications such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease rise in tandem – and older adults may be at an increased risk of developing health complications as a consequence of infectious disease too.

Sofiat Akinola, Project Lead, World Economic Forum, Switzerland

Chris Hardesty, Head of Life Sciences, KPMG, Singapore

Ada Wong, Asia Public Affairs Lead, Sanofi, Singapore

Immunisation Agenda 2030