Hector Magno
Measuring the Benefits of Mass Vaccination Programs in the United States: Since the late 1940s, mass vaccination
programs in the USA have contributed to the significantly reduced morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases.
To assist the evaluation of the benefits of mass vaccination programs, the number of individuals who would have
suffered death or permanent disability in the USA in 2014, had mass vaccination never been implemented, was
estimated for measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib),
hepatitis B, varicella, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The estimates accounted for mortality and morbidity trends
observed for these infections prior to mass vaccination and the impact of advances in standard of living and health
care. The estimates also considered populations with and without known factors leading to an elevated risk of
permanent injury from infection. Mass vaccination prevented an estimated 20 million infections and 12,000 deaths
and permanent disabilities
