Over 2.5 Million COVID-19 Deaths Prevented Globally Through Vaccination Efforts

Recent comprehensive research conducted between 2020 and 2024 reveals that worldwide vaccination campaigns against COVID-19 have averted approximately 2.53 million deaths. This significant achievement translates to one prevented death for every 5,400 vaccine doses administered. The study, published in the journal Jama Health Forum, was led by Professor Stefania Boccia of Università Cattolica and involved collaboration with experts from Stanford University and the Meta-Research Innovation Center (METRICS).

The analysis utilized global population data to estimate the number of lives saved and years of life preserved thanks to vaccination. Findings highlight that 82% of the lives saved involved individuals who were vaccinated before being exposed to the virus, with a notable 57% during the Omicron variant period. Importantly, 90% of the saved lives were among people aged 60 and older, emphasizing the vaccines’ impact on vulnerable populations. Despite this, residents in long-term care facilities accounted for only 2% of the total lives saved.

The study also estimated that vaccination across this period prevented the loss of approximately 14.8 million years of life, equating to one year of life saved for every 900 vaccine doses administered. While children and young adults contributed minimally to the total number of lives and life-years saved, the overall data underscores the substantial public health benefits of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. The researchers note that their estimates are conservative, primarily reflecting benefits accumulated over the entire period through 2024.

In essence, the findings demonstrate that vaccination has played a crucial role in reducing deaths due to COVID-19 globally, especially among the most fragile populations, and have significantly contributed to extending life expectancy during the pandemic years.