The most poor and marginalized children – often most in need of vaccines – continue to be the least likely to get them. As a result, some 25 million children are now missing out on life-saving vaccines every year, placing them at risk from devastating and entirely preventable diseases like measles and polio. The backslide is being driven by pandemic disruptions, conflict, displacement and increasing vaccine misinformation. Despite these longstanding benefits, low immunization levels persist.įor the first time in three decades, we’re witnessing the largest sustained backslide in childhood vaccinations. Today, vaccines are estimated to be one of the most cost-effective means of advancing global welfare. They act as a protective shield, keeping families and communities safe.
Vaccinated children do better at school, with economic benefits that ripple across their communities. Thanks to immunization efforts worldwide, children are able to walk, play, dance and learn. For over two centuries, vaccines have safely reduced the scourge of diseases like polio, measles and smallpox, helping children grow up healthy and happy. Vaccines are among the greatest advances in global health and development.
