Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 26: Covid-19 vaccines have prevented more than 2.5 million deaths worldwide, according to a global study led by researchers at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Italy. The findings, published in JAMA Health Forum, reveal the substantial life-saving impact of vaccination, particularly among the elderly.

The research estimates that one death was averted for every 5,400 vaccine doses administered. Notably, 82% of the lives saved were individuals vaccinated before catching the virus, and 57% of these occurred during the Omicron variant surge. A staggering 90% of deaths prevented were among those aged 60 and above.

In total, the vaccines are estimated to have preserved 14.8 million years of life, which translates to one year of life saved per 900 doses administered.

"This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, incorporating global data across the pandemic, including the Omicron phase, and factoring in years of life saved — not just deaths averted,” said Dr. Angelo Maria Pezzullo and Dr. Antonio Cristiano, co-authors of the study.

Researchers examined international population and vaccination data, comparing real-world outcomes to modeled scenarios in which no vaccines were deployed. They then assessed differences in mortality and life expectancy based on age and timing of vaccination.

While older adults accounted for the majority of the lives and years saved, children and adolescents contributed just 0.01% of lives saved, and young adults aged 20–29 made up 0.07% of the total. Interestingly, residents in long-term care facilities contributed only 2% to the total lives saved, despite being considered a high-risk group.

The study reinforces the critical role of vaccination in curbing pandemic mortality and highlights the disproportionate benefits for elderly populations.