Public policies for vaccination: a lifelong approach for having sustainable health and well-being

Abstract Issue/problem Lifelong vaccination strategies save lives and avoid healthcare demand. Until now, vaccination has been mainly paediatric focused and is not yet widely viewed as a lifelong commitment, which contributes to unnecessary morbidity, mortality and costs. Description of the problem To address demographic ageing and explore lifelong vaccination, recent solutions from vaccine research targeting the adult population can be effectively used. Employing Portugal as a pilot, a literature review and Think Tank methodology were adopted. Sessions were conducted with key opinion leaders on vaccination, each focusing on clinical, economic, and policy-related decisions. The project explored leading international practices in adult vaccination, the changes required to transition to a lifelong model, and how healthcare and community structures can integrate this vaccine ecosystem. The study proposed specific recommendations to be adopted by all stakeholders, ensuring the lifelong vaccination commitment through society. Results The Think Tank resulted in 21 recommendations organised in three pillars. Key findings highlighted the importance of investing in prevention and healthy ageing by revising the National Vaccination Programme and promote lifelong vaccination. To support the transition, it is necessary to create a vaccination ecosystem, change communication on vaccination and strengthen healthcare and community synergies. Lastly, to foster the proposed approach it was defended that all information systems should be improved: transparent, stronger and sustained by real-world evidence. Lessons The proposal was presented to the parliament receiving unanimous support from all parties, highlighting the role of political engagement in shaping the national vaccination strategy. Lifelong approach on vaccination is already supported by scientific evidence but must be supported by all health-related sectors, including occupational health, social security and similar systems. Key messages • Society needs a lifelong vaccination strategy to reduce the burden of disease across all stages of life. Although much remains to be done, it is possible to accomplish this goal. • Political and social engagement is crucial for shaping national lifelong vaccination strategies. To achieve this, it is crucial to build a vaccination ecosystem and not only a provider one.