Vaccines are among the most powerful public health tools, preventing widespread diseases like measles and polio. A landmark study published in ‘The Lancet’ estimates that global immunization efforts have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years, equating to six lives saved every minute of every year.

This transformative impact is evident in the eradication of smallpox and the near elimination of polio, with cases reduced by more than 99% since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, showcasing the immense power of vaccines in protecting global health.

World Immunization Week 2025 aims to ensure access to vaccines for everyone, especially those in underserved regions. Global health organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) emphasize that increasing immunisation coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent the resurgence of preventable diseases.

Investing in employee health through vaccination programmes offers significant advantages for businesses, such as:

• Reduced absenteeism: Vaccinated employees are less likely to miss work due to preventable illnesses, leading to more consistent staffing and lower disruption to operations.
• Improved productivity: Healthy employees are more focused, engaged, and efficient, directly contributing to higher business performance and output.
• Lower healthcare costs: Preventative care, including vaccination, helps reduce long-term medical expenses for both employers and employees, cutting down on insurance premiums and sick leave costs.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Supporting vaccination efforts enhances a company's image as a socially responsible organisation and can build employee loyalty and public trust.

While challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and logistical barriers may arise, businesses play a critical role by offering employee benefits packages that provide access to vaccines. This not only improves the health and safety of their workforce but also contributes to enhanced overall workplace benefits.

Companies can support immunisation efforts by:

• Providing on-site vaccination clinics.
• Offering incentives for employees to get vaccinated.
• Educating staff on the benefits of immunisation. 

Businesses can leverage their platforms to raise awareness about vaccination by:

• Participating in social media campaigns using hashtags like #WorldImmunizationWeek, #SafeVaccines, #ImmunizationMatters and #VaccinesWork.
• Hosting educational webinars on the importance of vaccines.
• Collaborating with healthcare providers to promote immunisation efforts.

By amplifying the message of World Immunization Week, businesses help educate communities and promote vaccine adoption, contributing to immunisation awareness campaigns and encouraging healthier employees who benefit from comprehensive employee benefits programs.

Many underserved communities face significant barriers to vaccine access, including inadequate infrastructure, supply chain limitations, and vaccine misinformation. To make a meaningful impact, businesses can:

• Partnering with NGOs or global health organisations to help provide vaccines in underserved regions.
• Donating resources or funds to vaccination programmes that focus on communities with limited access to healthcare.
• Encouraging employees to volunteer in global health initiatives or local vaccination campaigns. This not only enables companies to directly impact global health but also showcases their commitment to corporate responsibility and inclusive benefits.

Beyond immediate vaccination efforts, companies can enhance employee well-being by investing in long-term health and safety programs, including:

• Ongoing health monitoring: Ensuring employees' well-being through regular check-ups and support after vaccination, part of comprehensive employee health benefits.
• Comprehensive healthcare plans: Offering plans that cover vaccine-related services and other preventative care needs.
• Educational programmes on preventative care: Promoting sustained health protection through continuous education on healthy practices and disease prevention.

Advancements in vaccine technology, such as mRNA vaccines, have revolutionised disease prevention. The rapid development and deployment of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines reduced vaccine development times by more than half and played a key role in controlling the pandemic, saving an estimated 19.8 million lives globally by the end of 2022. These innovations continue to enhance the speed and effectiveness of responses to emerging diseases.

For businesses, integrating these advancements into employee health programmes can improve workplace safety, reduce disruptions, and support international health needs. A study by Forbes shows that 87% of employees prioritise healthcare and wellness benefits when choosing employers, highlighting the importance of investing in these technologies to strengthen workforce health and equity.

At Allianz, we are committed to global health through our insurance solutions and partnerships that aim to improve healthcare accessibility worldwide. We support vaccination initiatives by integrating vaccine coverage into employee wellness programmes, ensuring employees have access to life-saving immunisations.

Through our international health insurance plans, Allianz also provides coverage for vaccines, supporting individuals living and working abroad. These efforts help bridge the gap in vaccine access, contributing to healthier workforces and communities globally.

Vaccination is a fundamental pillar of global health, protecting individuals, communities, and businesses alike. By supporting immunisation efforts, companies contribute to a healthier workforce and a more resilient global economy, improving employee benefit packages and supporting overall health. As we celebrate World Immunization Week 2025, businesses are encouraged to take an active role in promoting vaccination initiatives. Through collaboration, education, and corporate responsibility, we can work towards a healthier future for all.

At Allianz, we’re dedicated to supporting global health efforts and ensuring businesses can provide a healthy, resilient workforce. To explore how our international health insurance can benefit your organisation, head over to our Business Hub for more information.