Provision of free vaccines during a pandemic is expected to result in a higher uptake of vaccines than would be the case if there was a charge. If a large proportion of the population is vaccinated, there would be lower transmission of the disease and a lower demand on the health system.

Vaccination would reduce the load of government measures, such as lockdowns, aimed at containing the pandemic and enables the economy to function as optimally as possible. The pandemic and government measures would have a higher impact on lower income groups working in sectors most affected by the pandemic. Such groups may experience job losses, become deskilled increasing inequality. Providing free vaccination and equal access would prevent or alleviate such an impact.

A pandemic and measures to contain it also impacts education. Closure of schools and higher education institutions would have a longer-term effect on the human resource element of the economy. Free vaccination would allow the flow of skilled workers into the economy to continue uninterrupted and for the economy to function normally.