In two articles published during the fiftieth year of the World Health Organization’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), Samarasekera and Shattock provide valuable insights into EPI’s remarkable impact on reducing childhood mortality and morbidity since its launch in 1974. Shattock et al. present a detailed quantitative analysis of the lives saved and health gains attributed to vaccination. They estimate that “since 1974, vaccination has averted 154 million deaths, including 146 million among children younger than 5 years of whom 101 million were infants younger than 1 year.” The authors further emphasize the long-term benefits of vaccination, noting that “for every death averted, 66 years of full health were gained on average, translating to 10.2 billion years of full health gained.” These findings underscore the transformative impact of EPI on global health outcomes. Bill Moss of the International Vaccines Access Center (IVAC) calls this “one of humankind’s greatest achievements”. Inherent uncertainties …
