Global Vaccinations Plummet, Millions of Children at Risk

UK Worst of Western Economies for MMR Immunisation

A sharp decline in childhood vaccination rates worldwide is leaving millions of young children vulnerable to serious illness and death, experts are warning. The UK is reported as the poorest performer among major Western economies for MMR immunisation coverage.

Alarming Global Shortfalls Revealed

New figures from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Unicef indicate that over 30 million children globally have not received their full measles, mumps, and rubella immunisations. Furthermore, a staggering 14.3 million infants have missed all routine infant vaccinations.

Measles Threat Intensifies Amidst Falling Coverage

While measles coverage saw a slight improvement last year, vaccinating an additional 2 million children compared to 2023, overall rates have regressed in several middle- and high-income nations. This stagnation leaves children increasingly susceptible to outbreaks.

In Europe and central Asia, vaccination coverage dropped by an average of one percentage point from 2019 levels across 53 countries. More than half of these nations failed to meet the 95% vaccination threshold necessary for herd immunity against measles in 2024, with nearly a third reporting coverage below 90%.

UK Lags Behind G7 Nations

Data reveals the UK’s MMR vaccination rates are the lowest among G7 countries. Only 89% of children received their first MMR dose in 2024, significantly lower than Germany’s 96%, France, Italy, and Japan’s 95%, and the US and Canada’s 92%.

Measles Cases Surge Globally

Reported measles cases continue to escalate worldwide. The WHO and Unicef estimate that approximately 10 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occurred in 2023. The number of countries experiencing large, disruptive outbreaks has nearly doubled from 33 in 2022 to 60 in 2024. Cases in Europe doubled throughout 2024, and the US saw its highest annual measles tally in three years.

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses we face. Even small declines in coverage, especially in communities affected by conflict, displacement or weak health systems, can trigger devastating surges. To protect every child, we need to reach 95% coverage with two doses in every district, in every country. Until we do, millions of children remain at risk of serious illness or death from a disease we have the tools to prevent.”

—Ephrem Tekle Lemango, Chief of Immunisation at Unicef

Other Childhood Diseases Also a Concern

Childhood immunisation rates for other preventable diseases remain at pre-pandemic levels, far below the 95% needed for herd immunity. In 2024, 115 million infants and young children received at least one dose of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough) jab, with 85% completing the full course. Polio and hepatitis B vaccination rates declined to 93% and 91% respectively.

Calls for Urgent Action and Investment

“Last year alone, nearly 300 000 people got whooping cough in our region, more than a threefold increase on the previous year. Meanwhile, over 125 000 caught measles in 2024 – twice as many as 2023. These are not just numbers, it’s hundreds of thousands of families in anguish because their children are sick, and it could have been prevented.”

—Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe

Dr Kluge emphasized the critical role of robust local health systems, vaccine accessibility, and combating misinformation to reverse these trends. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control highlighted strong routine immunisation systems as the most effective safeguard.

“Vaccination is not only an act of self-protection but one of solidarity at the same time – and one which offers both immediate and long-term benefits.”

—Sabrina Bacci, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control

A recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a 10% increase in measles cases in the US in the first three months of 2024 compared to the same period last year, underscoring the urgency of reinforcing vaccination programs (CDC, 2024).