Long-term solutions for the problem of vaccine shortages

During the past few years, vaccine shortage has been a serious problem affecting both developed and developing countries. The explanation is linked to the poor economic value associated with vaccines. Although every year the routine use of vaccines saves millions of lives, the economic value associated with them is negligible, especially if compared with the pharmaceutical market. This situation disincentives private investment, which prefers to focus on more profitable business. To overcome these problems, it is essential to recognise that the intangible value of vaccination (the value of being alive and healthy) represents the real value provided by vaccines. If the intangible value were to be included in the vaccine price, vaccines would become as attractive as other pharmaceuticals. While waiting for a long-term sustainable solution, public–private partnerships represent a way to increase vaccine value awareness and to decrease the risk for vaccine manufacturers. This article will provide examples of how public–private partnerhips both in developed and developing countries have been established to handle specific problems concerning vaccination.