Impact of Vaccines Across the Lifespan: A New Perspective in Public Health—Conclusions of an Expert Panel—Part 2 †

This second part of this expert panel review explores the broader impact of vaccines across the lifespan, emphasizing their role beyond immediate infection control. Vaccines not only extend life expectancy but also influence long-term health trajectories, particularly during the critical first 1000 days of life, where they prevent severe infections, disability, and mortality. They contribute to cancer prevention through vaccination against human papillomavirus and hepatitis B, reduce cardiovascular events and complications in individuals with chronic diseases, and protect against late-life functional decline. Furthermore, vaccines exert lasting effects on healthy aging by modulating inflammation and preserving independence, while proposed vaccination schemes illustrate the need for a comprehensive, life-course approach. Together with Part 1, which focused on immunosenescence and immune modulation, this closing installment underscores vaccination as a cornerstone of sustainable health policy, reinforcing its pivotal role in extending both lifespan and healthspan for future generations.