At the Kentuckiana Health Collaborative (KHC), our mission is to champion a more effective healthcare ecosystem through collaboration, insights, and education. In alignment with our mission, we are committed to evidence-based reviews of medical science and to sharing those insights with KHC member organizations and the broader Kentuckiana community.
Vaccinations are one of the most effective public health tools for reducing disease and protecting well-being. Their safety and effectiveness are firmly supported by a robust body of peer-reviewed scientific evidence and by well-established systems that safeguard communities. Unfortunately, misinformation and the politicization of vaccine science have eroded public confidence, leading to reduced vaccine use. This is a risk to community health.
The KHC stands by the use of vaccinations as supported by evidence-based medical science as an essential means of protecting the health of people across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Immunizations During a Time of Confusion
Between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, public health agencies, and medical professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, there has historically been strong alignment in promoting evidence-based vaccination guidance. Recently, however, that alignment has weakened, creating uncertainty for the public and within the healthcare ecosystem. The resulting information gaps have been further complicated by the widespread circulation of inaccurate or unsupported claims about vaccination on public platforms.
What We Know About Vaccines
- Vaccines save lives. Immunizations have eradicated or dramatically reduced the prevalence of deadly diseases such as smallpox, polio, measles, and whooping cough.
- Vaccines are evidence-based. Recommendations are guided by rigorous, peer-reviewed research and the expertise of public health authorities.
- Vaccines protect communities. High vaccination rates reduce the spread of disease, safeguarding not only individuals but also families, coworkers, and vulnerable populations
- Vaccine safety is continuously monitored. Vaccines undergo extensive testing before approval and are continually tracked for safety through national surveillance programs.
- Employers play a critical role. By supporting vaccination education, access, and coverage with limited cost share, employers help maintain a healthy workforce and reduce preventable illnesses that affect productivity and healthcare costs.
The Impact of Vaccinations on Business
Vaccination has been demonstrated to be cost-effective, reducing both human suffering and societal and economic impacts. For employers, vaccine confidence and utilization protects the health of their workforce by reducing illness and absenteeism. By supporting vaccination, employers contribute to a more productive, cost-efficient workplace while fulfilling an important role as leaders in public health. In 2024, the CDC estimated that between 1994 and 2023, routine childhood vaccinations prevented 508 million cases of illness, 32 million hospitalizations, and 1,129,000 deaths, resulting in $540 billion in direct savings and $2.7 trillion in societal savings.1
To ensure equitable access to vaccines, KHC recommends that employers support policies that sustain and strengthen the five facts outlined above, rely on trusted and evidence-based resources for decision-making, and implement the following actions:
- Design benefits for ease of access: Ensure medical and pharmacy plans cover routine vaccinations without cost sharing.
- Preserve provider choice: Allow employees and their families to receive vaccinations from their primary care provider or a pharmacist.
- Increase convenience: Offer vaccinations at accessible, in-network locations, including pharmacies and doctor’s offices, and during the workday at onsite clinics.
- Communicate proactively: Share your commitment and related information with employees and their families.
Resources
Resources found below provide useful information for employers and the public on the safety and efficacy of vaccination.
Childhood Immunization Schedule – American Academy of Pediatrics
Adult Immunization Schedule – American Academy of Family Physicians
Vaccines – American Public Health Association
Vaccination Recommendations – American Academy of Pediatrics
Vaccine Safety During Pregnancy – American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Simple Action Steps to Improve Vaccine Confidence & Adoption – Midwest Business Group on Health
Immunizations Are Essential for Public Health and Child Safety – American Academy of Pediatrics
10 Reasons to Get Vaccinated – National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
1Zhou, F., Jatlaoui, T. C., Leidner, A. J., Carter, R. J., Dong, X., Santoli, J. M., Stokley, S., Daskalakis, D. C., & Peacock, G. (2024). Health and economic benefits of routine childhood immunizations in the era of the Vaccines for Children Program — United States, 1994–2023. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 73(31), 682–685. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7331a2
