Global Vaccination Coverage Dropped 5% in 2021

In a recent statement, the WHO analyzed global vaccination coverage and found that in 2021 immunization rates dropped by 5%. Furthermore, the WHO outlined the 2030 immunization agenda and international strategies to encourage immunization.

The WHO begins by saying, “while immunization is one of the most successful public health interventions, coverage has plateaued over the last decade. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions have strained health systems, with 25 million children missing out on vaccination in 2021, 5.9 million more than in 2019, and the highest number since 2009.”

The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine works to prevent meningitis and pneumonia. WHO research found that global coverage against this disease is 71%, with rates as low as 29% in the western pacific region.

Despite the United States reporting increased rates of HPV vaccinations among adolescents, the WHO estimates that global health coverage is significantly lower.

The announcement states, “since many large countries have not yet introduced the vaccine and vaccine coverage decreased in 2021 in many countries, global coverage with the first dose of HPV among girls is now estimated at 15%.” This is a 5% decrease from the 2019 rate of 20%.

Following the World Health Assembly’s global strategy toward eliminating cervical cancer, the WHO aims to increase HPV vaccinations that help prevent cervical cancer. Their goal is to obtain 90% global coverage by 2030.

The DTP vaccine prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, which can lead to severe and potentially fatal outcomes. In 2021, only 81% of infants had received all three age-appropriate DTP vaccinations. That same year, 18.2 million infants did not even receive the first dose of the vaccine series. Additionally, 6.8 million were only partially vaccinated.

As recommended by the CDC, DTP vaccines should be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months, between 15 and 18 months, and between 4 and 6 years old.

This reduced vaccination rate poses several potential threats, as seen in the recent arrival of diphtheria cases in Australia for the first time in multiple decades.

In addition to the threat of illness, this statistic also displays issues with equitable access to healthcare. Over half of the infants without full DTP coverage are from 10 countries.

Since 2019, the global vaccination rate has dropped 5%. Because of this drastic drop, the immunization plan put forth by the WHO aims for increased global coverage by 2030.

In addition to global efforts to attain herd immunity, when possible, patients and their families are encouraged to see their health provider regularly and follow the recommended immunization schedule in their country under the guidance of their pediatrician.