Estimated number of reported vaccine-preventable disease cases averted following the introduction of routine vaccination programs in Sweden, 1910-2019.

"Conflicts of interest : None declared. Key pointsUndervaccination and vaccine hesitancy may impede the benefits of vaccination programs in some areas and sub-populations.To illustrate the historic impact of vaccination in Sweden over the past 70 years, we estimate the number of reported cases of VPDs averted.We estimate that a combined total of over 1.5 million reported cases of measles, pertussis, poliomyelitis and mumps have been averted since the introduction of vaccination programs.Due to underreporting during pre-vaccination years, the number of reported cases averted is likely to be an underestimation.These results, supporting the substantial, long-term public health impact of vaccination programs, can inform public health communications."

"Funding This work was supported by Stockholm University and the Public Health Agency of Sweden. Conflicts of interest: None declared. Key pointsUndervaccination and vaccine hesitancy may impede the benefits of vaccination programs in some areas and sub-populations.To illustrate the historic impact of vaccination in Sweden over the past 70 years, we estimate the number of reported cases of VPDs averted.We estimate that a combined total of over 1.5 million reported cases of measles, pertussis, poliomyelitis and mumps have been averted since the introduction of vaccination programs.Due to underreporting during pre-vaccination years, the number of reported cases averted is likely to be an underestimation.These results, supporting the substantial, long-term public health impact of vaccination programs, can inform public health communications."