Expanding vaccine use has the potential to reduce the administration of up to 2.5 billion doses of antimicrobials per year, making a significant contribution to the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR), one of the greatest public health challenges worldwide. [Medscape]

This information is included in a new World Health Organization (WHO) report on the subject, which estimated the potential impact of increases in immunization rates. The document emphasized that the role of vaccines in reducing AMR has not been fully recognized, even though vaccines can “train” the immune system to better defend against various pathogens before an infection begins or worsens.

“Vaccinated people will have fewer infections and thus will also be protected against potential complications from secondary infections that may trigger the use of antimicrobials or require admission to hospital,” the report stated.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, highlighted the importance of implementing preventive strategies.

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