Over the past century, global vaccination coverage has experienced significant changes, particularly in response to public health initiatives and challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are key statistics reflecting these changes:
Global Vaccination Coverage Statistics
- 1920s: Vaccination coverage was minimal, with few vaccines available. The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was established by the WHO in 1974 to address this.
- 1980: Vaccination coverage for the Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (DTP) vaccine was approximately 7% in South-East Asia.
- 1990: Global coverage of the DTP vaccine reached around 80%.
- 2000: The coverage for the third dose of DTP (DTP3) was approximately 80% globally.
- 2019: DTP3 coverage peaked at 86%, indicating significant progress in immunization efforts.
- 2021: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DTP3 coverage dropped to 81%, the lowest level since 2008.
- 2022: There was a slight recovery, with DTP3 coverage increasing to 84%. However, 14.3 million children were still unvaccinated with the first dose of DTP (DTPcv1) .
- 2023: Global coverage for the first dose of the HPV vaccine increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% .
Common FAQs
1. What is the DTP vaccine?
The DTP vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is crucial for preventing these serious diseases in children.
2. Why is vaccination coverage important?
High vaccination coverage is essential for achieving herd immunity, preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, and protecting vulnerable populations.
3. What challenges affect global vaccination coverage?
Challenges include access to healthcare, misinformation about vaccines, logistical issues in vaccine distribution, and the impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.
4. How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect vaccination rates?
The pandemic disrupted routine immunization services, leading to a decline in vaccination coverage and an increase in the number of unvaccinated children.
5. What initiatives are in place to improve vaccination coverage?
The Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) aims to ensure that everyone, everywhere benefits from vaccines and to reduce the number of children who have not received essential vaccinations .