The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that measles vaccination coverage has declined significantly since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a record high of nearly 40 million children missing their measles vaccine doses in 2021.
Specifically, pandemic-related disruptions caused 25 million children globally to miss their first dose of the measles vaccine in 2021, while 14.7 million children did not receive their second dose.
This record decline in measles vaccine coverage represents a significant setback in global progress toward combating the disease. Globally, there were an estimated 9 million measles cases and 128,000 deaths in 2021.
Measles is one of the most contagious human viruses, although it is almost entirely preventable through vaccination. However, it requires a vaccination coverage rate of 95% or more with two doses of the vaccine to achieve herd immunity and prevent outbreaks among populations.
Meanwhile, global measles vaccine coverage is at its lowest level since 2008, although this rate varies by country. Currently, only 81% of children have received their first dose of the measles vaccine, and 71% have received their second dose.
The report calls on public health officials to accelerate and strengthen vaccination efforts immediately. Accordingly, the WHO and CDC recommend coordinated action by all partners at all levels—global, regional, national, and local—to prioritize efforts toward identifying and vaccinating all unprotected children. Simultaneously, investment in robust surveillance systems is required to mitigate the risk of disease outbreaks.
Source: Health and Life Newspaper (Báo Sức khỏe và Đời sống)