Childhood vaccinations have saved over 150 million lives since the World Health Organization launched its Essential Programme on Immunization nearly 50 years ago. However, a recent study published in The Lancet reveals that vaccination rates have stalled or even reversed in many countries since 2010.
The study found that in 100 out of 204 countries examined, the percentage of children who received the measles vaccine decreased between 2010 and 2019. In some countries, such as Argentina, the decline was as high as 12%. Other examples include Finland, where vaccination rates dropped by 8% in the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccination, and Austria, which saw a 6% decline.
Researchers used over 1,000 data sources to piece together the global trends. One of the study authors, Dr. Jonathan Mosser, emphasized that the current situation is “critical” due to various challenges such as conflict, supply chain issues, and vaccine misinformation.
The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant setback for vaccination efforts, but there has been a concerted effort to catch up. According to Mosser, while progress has been made, the world still needs to achieve higher vaccination rates.
Additionally, the changing birth rate presents both assurances and challenges for vaccination efforts. As the number of children born each year is expected to shrink by 1.6% between now and 2030, countries with low vaccine coverage will face increased pressure to allocate resources effectively.
The success story of India stands out as a highly targeted effort that has achieved near-universal immunization rates across its large population. The country’s efforts have been complemented by innovative technologies such as monitoring systems for vaccine supply chains.
Overall, the study highlights the need for sustained commitment and investment in global vaccination efforts to ensure continued progress against infectious diseases.
Source: https://www.npr.org/sections/goats-and-soda/2025/06/24/g-s1-74170/childhood-vaccinations-progress