Childhood Immunization Rates Show Improvement but Remain Below Pre-Pandemic Levels
Childhood immunization rates, which declined during the Covid-19 pandemic, are showing signs of improvement but have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, according to data from UNICEF and WHO. While 4 million more children worldwide received routine childhood immunizations in 2022 compared to the previous year, the number of children missing all vaccinations has not dropped below pre-pandemic levels. The data also revealed regional disparities, with South Asia experiencing a more rapid recovery. Low-income countries, particularly in Africa, continue to face challenges in immunization coverage and require support. Efforts are underway to catch up children who missed vaccinations during the pandemic through initiatives like The Big Catch-Up campaign.