WHO report highlights vaccines' role in reducing deaths and costs from antimicrobial resistance

A new World Health Organization (WHO) report highlights that vaccines against 24 pathogens could significantly reduce the need for antibiotics, aiding efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Some vaccines are underused, while others require development. The report estimates that existing vaccines could prevent up to 106,000 deaths annually linked to AMR. New vaccines for tuberculosis and Klebsiella pneumoniae could avert an additional 543,000 deaths each year. If vaccines are widely implemented, they could cut hospital costs related to AMR by a third and decrease global antibiotic use by 22%. The WHO emphasizes that preventing infections through vaccination is crucial in addressing AMR.