Childhood vaccines prevented 508 million illnesses, saved $540 billion over past three decades

From 1994 to 2023, routine childhood vaccinations have averted about 508 million illnesses, 32 million hospital stays, and over a million deaths, saving $540 billion in direct costs and $2.7 trillion overall. This analysis assessed the financial and health benefits of nine key vaccines. Researchers conclude that the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which covers the cost of vaccines for children whose families might not otherwise be able to afford them, made a substantial contribution to these reductions.