New Data Shows Large Decline in Childhood Vaccines

Children vaccine coverage continued to decline worldwide in 2021, with 25 million children missing out on lifesaving vaccines, according to recent data published by the World Health Organization and UNICEF. "The largest sustained decline in childhood vaccinations in approximately 30 years has been recorded," the organizations said in a news release. Between 2019 and 2021, there was a 5-point drop in the percentage of children who got three doses of DTP3, the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. There were several factors behind the declines, including increased numbers of children living in conflict and other fragile settings, increased misinformation and COVID-19-related issues.