Prevention Pays: An Interview with Dr. Michelle Horn

Immunization as an Investment

Many leaders see health programs as a cost, not an investment. What is the return on investment of adult immunization for employers and governments, and why should decision-makers rethink prevention as economic policy? 

Dr. Horn:  Studies show that preventable conditions are costing G20 economies around a trillion dollars a year in lost productivity. So adult immunization has the potential to go beyond just healthcare and can benefit both employers and governments in really tangible ways. 

From an employer perspective, by investing in your employees' health through vaccinations, employees would have fewer sick days, which means more productivity. Healthy employees are more engaged and effective, and overall healthcare costs are lower because employers are dealing with fewer insurance claims. 

Then there's the government side. Government investment in adult immunization reduces the burden on healthcare systems, which free up resources. A healthy population contributes more to economic growth. And overall, you're improving public health, making everyone more resilient. 

The key is to think of prevention as a core economic strategy. It's about shifting our mindset from just treating sickness to actively investing in wellness. Studies have shown that adult immunization can return up to 19 times the initial investment – that's a fantastic return and a prime example of how we can invest in the wellness of Canadians.

Workforce Resilience

Illness disrupts operations, drives up absenteeism, and burdens our healthcare system. From your perspectives, how can expanding immunization programs make Canada’s workforce more resilient and give employers a competitive edge? 

Dr. Horn: When we talk about making Canada’s workforce more resilient, expanding immunization programs should be a no-brainer. I mean, think about it: illness is a huge disruptor. It knocks out employees, drives up absenteeism, and puts a strain on our healthcare system. So, by expanding immunization, we're hitting all those points head-on.

For employers, a healthier workforce is a more productive workforce. Fewer people calling in sick means more consistent operations and less lost time. Plus, healthy employees bring better energy to their work. When you invest in immunization, you're basically giving your team a competitive edge because they're more reliable and effective.

From a broader perspective, less strain on the healthcare system means we can focus health resources where they're needed most. Preventing illness through immunization is always more cost-effective than treating it later. By expanding these programs, we're not just protecting individual health; we're strengthening the entire economy. So, it's a win-win: healthier workers, more competitive businesses, and a more resilient Canada overall.

Closing the Gaps

Despite the proven benefits, adult immunization remains overlooked in many workplaces. What barriers are holding back uptake, and what policy, employer, or workplace benefits practices could close those gaps to protect both employees and the bottom line? 

Dr. Horn: There are a few key barriers that could be holding back uptake.

First, there's a lack of awareness. Many employees and employers just don't realize the impact that illnesses like flu or shingles can have on productivity and healthcare costs. They might underestimate their risk or not understand the effectiveness of vaccines.

Second, access can be an issue. It's not always easy for people to take time off work to get vaccinated, especially if there aren't convenient options available. And in today’s environment where costs of basic necessities are rising, out of pocket costs for preventative health measures, like vaccinations, can be a stumbling block. In addition to challenges related to cost and location, underserved populations often face systemic barriers to healthcare equity, including lack of insurance or language barriers, which can make it even harder for them to access and receive recommended vaccinations.

Third, there can be misconceptions or hesitancy around vaccines. Misinformation spreads easily, and some people may have concerns about safety or side effects.

So, what can we do to close those gaps? Well, on the policy side, governments could work together to ensure equitable and enhanced access to adult vaccines. From the employer side, they could consider offering on-site vaccination clinics or flexible scheduling, as well as workplace benefit practices that include covering the cost of recommended vaccines in health insurance plans, and actively promoting immunization through internal communications.

By making immunization more accessible, affordable, and well-understood, we can protect employees, boost productivity, and strengthen the bottom line.

A Prevention-Focused Future

Looking ahead, what does a prevention-focused economy look like, and how is GSK supporting the integration of immunization into our broader economic and workforce strategies

Dr. Horn: A prevention-focused economy is one where we proactively invest in keeping people healthy rather than just reacting when they get sick. It’s about shifting our focus from treating disease to preventing it in the first place. That means valuing public health and integrating it into our broader economic and workforce strategies.

In practice, that means governments prioritizing policies that promote health like equitable access to immunizations, encouraging healthy lifestyles, and addressing social determinants of health. It also means businesses recognizing that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce and investing in employee wellness programs and comprehensive benefit plans.

In terms of what GSK is doing, first and foremost we're playing a critical role in developing and providing innovative vaccines that prevent a range of infectious diseases, from flu to shingles and RSV. But it’s not just about the vaccines themselves; we’re also collaborating with others to advocate for policies that promote adult immunization and improved access, as well as supporting research to demonstrate the economic benefits of prevention, and championing disease awareness efforts to support public health goals. 

In addition, as an employer of over 1600 full-time employees across Canada, we include comprehensive vaccine coverage as part of the health insurance benefits we offer employees and support flexible scheduling to enable employees to attend vaccination appointments. 

But no one group or organization can do it alone. Together, by prioritizing prevention and fostering a culture of health, we can build a more resilient economy that benefits individuals, governments, businesses, and society as a whole.