They propose to introduce an adult immunization program in Latvia 0 8

Zavadska pointed out that the childhood immunization schedule in Latvia is considered one of the best according to European assessments; however, at the same time, the situation with the adult immunization program or strategy in the country is "poor."

The specialist urged the government to begin serious work on developing a vaccination strategy for adults, that is, a lifelong immunization program.

Zavadska referred to positive foreign practices where adult immunization is viewed as an investment rather than an expense, citing international economic assessments and recommendations from professional associations.

Four main vaccines were particularly highlighted — against influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal infection, and Herpes Zoster infection, which, according to foreign studies, demonstrate high socio-economic returns.

It was concluded that investments in vaccination against influenza, RSV, and Herpes Zoster could yield returns of up to 19 times, while vaccination against pneumococcus could yield returns of up to 33 times, considering reductions in hospitalizations, complications, disability, and long-term care costs.

As of the beginning of 2025, one-fifth of Latvia's population will be people aged 65 and older, and half of society will have reached at least 50 years of age, Zavadska noted. She acknowledged that vaccinating such large groups may seem expensive to financial planners; however, the actual vaccination coverage in Latvia is low, so the real volume of vaccines used would likely be less than the theoretically calculated size of the target group.

Zavadska emphasized the need for a methodologically sound assessment of the extent to which investments in adult vaccination would pay off for the state budget.

She stressed that the economic benefits should not be assessed solely in terms of direct costs. Vaccination reduces the number of hospitalizations and the need for long-term care for the elderly, decreases the risk of complications, and frees up healthcare resources for other patients. Furthermore, vaccination is a proven tool for reducing antimicrobial resistance and limiting the spread of infections.

The State Council on Immunization (GSI) has repeatedly recommended introducing state-funded vaccination for adults against specific infections, including pneumococcal infection; professional associations have also addressed the Saeima and the Ministry of Health with relevant letters.

The protocol recorded that Zavadska called on the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDPC) to work on a unified strategy and its implementation. At the GSI meeting, it was decided to jointly work on developing an adult vaccination strategy, and at the next meeting, the council expects a proposal from the MoH for its implementation.

At the same time, evaluating the current influenza vaccination season, the GSI concluded that next season it is necessary to ensure a larger volume of vaccine procurement, as well as a sufficient number of high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines for the elderly, so that standard doses are used less frequently in the at-risk group.

The GSI will continue to update its position on the need to increase the procurement of influenza vaccines.