Economic Barriers

The cost of vaccination may be a barrier at a country-wide level and at an individual level within countries. Different initiatives exist to address these two issues:

Country-wide solution

In order to address the economic barriers to vaccination faced by many countries the Global Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) was established in 2000. Gavi is a private-public partnership that includes governments, the vaccine industry, civil society and key United Nation agencies. Financial support provided by Gavi has improved access to vaccination in low income countries. As well as providing financial support, Gavi has provided vaccine expertise to help countries develop sustainable systems that will enable them to afford vaccines in the future.

The Gavi annual progress report for 2017 is summarised in the clip below and highlights some of the achievements of the collaboration. The full report itself can also be found in the resources section below. More information can be found at www.gavi.org

Within Country Solutions

In some countries, all childhood vaccinations and other vaccines recommended as part of the EPI are given at no direct financial cost to the individual. In other countries, the cost of vaccination has to be paid for by individuals. Payment may be through private health insurance or fully by the individual themselves for their own vaccines. Some countries have additional funding schemes to support vaccination for those who are not insured and do not have the funds to pay for vaccines.