Childhood vaccination rates have started to recover worldwide in 2022 after a significant decline caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). However, the recovery is uneven, with some smaller and poorer countries still facing challenges. While India and Indonesia have shown strong bounce backs in their vaccination efforts, many other nations are still struggling.
In 2022, it was estimated that 20.5 million children missed out on routine childhood vaccines, a decrease from the 24.4 million children in 2021. Despite this improvement, the numbers are still higher than the 18.4 million children who were not fully protected in 2019.
The statistics were based on data from 183 countries, focusing on the uptake of the three-dose diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. The figures include children who did not receive any vaccines at all as well as those who missed one or more doses required for protection.
Prior to the pandemic, global coverage rates stood at 86 percent, dropping to 84 percent in 2022. While these numbers are encouraging, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed concerns that the most vulnerable children were being left behind, emphasizing that when countries lag in vaccination efforts, it is ultimately the children who suffer the consequences.
Out of the 73 countries that experienced substantial declines in routine vaccine coverage during the pandemic, 34, including Angola and Syria, have not seen any improvement or have even worsened. Fifteen countries have managed to recover to pre-pandemic levels, while 24 are making progress towards recovery.
The agencies also highlighted that measles vaccinations have not rebounded as quickly. In 2022, 21.9 million children globally missed their first dose of the measles vaccine, which is 2.7 million more than in 2019. Additionally, 13.3 million children missed their second dose. Low-income countries saw a further decline in measles coverage rates, dropping to 66 percent compared to 67 percent in 2021. Consequently, measles outbreaks are already on the rise, posing a serious threat.
The only vaccine that has returned to pre-pandemic levels is the HPV vaccination, which helps prevent cervical cancer. Nevertheless, coverage rates remain below the 90 percent target. In high-income countries, the rate stands at 67 percent, while in low and middle-income countries where the vaccine has been introduced, it is at 55 percent.
Earlier this year, the WHO and UNICEF, in collaboration with Gavi and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, launched an initiative to support countries in catching up on childhood vaccinations that were missed during the pandemic. The aim is to rectify the disparities in vaccination rates and ensure that all children are protected against preventable diseases.
Efforts are ongoing to address the challenges faced by smaller and poorer nations in achieving vaccination coverage similar to that of larger countries. The recovery of childhood vaccination rates is crucial for public health, as unvaccinated children are at risk of severe illnesses and even death. The prioritization of vaccination programs and continued support from international organizations are key to achieving equitable vaccination coverage worldwide.
