UK MMR Vaccine Rates Lag G7, Millions Unvaccinated Worldwide
Measles Outbreaks Surge Globally, Doubling in Europe and Reaching Three-Year High in the US
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Global measles outbreaks have intensified substantially, with the number of countries reporting large and disruptive outbreaks nearly doubling from 33 in 2022 to 60 in 2024. Cases in Europe doubled during 2024, and in the United States, they reached a three-year high, according to recent reports from UNICEF and the WHO.
Alarming Rise in Measles Cases and Vaccination Gaps
UNICEF has issued a stark warning: without immediate and concerted action,millions more children are at risk of death or serious illness from measles. Ephrem Tekle Lemango, UNICEF’s Chief of Immunisation, highlighted that while global vaccination coverage is “inching upward,” the progress is insufficient to combat the escalating threat.
“In 2024 alone, over 20 million children globally missed their first measles dose and nearly 12 million missed their second - leaving perilous immunity gaps that continue to fuel outbreaks,” Lemango stated. He emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles, noting that even minor drops in vaccination coverage, notably in conflict-affected regions or areas with weak health systems, can trigger devastating surges.
To effectively protect every child, a 95% coverage rate with two doses of the measles vaccine is required in every district and country. Until this target is met, millions of children remain vulnerable to severe illness or death from a preventable disease.
Childhood Immunisation Rates Lag Behind
Beyond measles, childhood immunisation rates for other communicable diseases also remain at pre-pandemic levels, falling short of the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity. In 2024,115 million infants and young children (89% of the total) received at least one dose of the diphtheria,tetanus,and whooping cough (DTP) jab,while 85% completed the full three-dose series. Vaccination rates for polio and hepatitis B also saw declines, standing at 93% and 91% respectively.
Experts Call for Urgent Action and Investment in Health Systems
Dr. Hans Kluge, the WHO Regional Director for europe, expressed deep concern over the escalating figures.”Last year alone, nearly 300,000 people got whooping cough in our region, more than a threefold increase on the previous year. Simultaneously occurring, over 125,000 caught measles in 2024 - twice as many as 2023,” he reported. Dr. Kluge stressed that these are not mere statistics but represent hundreds of thousands of families suffering due to preventable childhood illnesses.
“Vaccines save lives, and when coverage drops, disease spreads,” Dr. Kluge asserted. He urged countries to invest in robust local health systems, ensure vaccine accessibility in all neighbourhoods, and actively combat misinformation.
Sabrina bacci from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control echoed these sentiments, highlighting the critical role of strong routine immunisation systems. “This way, we protect ourselves and communities that are particularly vulnerable to diseases like measles, including children who are too young to be vaccinated or those who cannot be immunised for medical reasons,” she explained.
Bacci concluded by emphasizing the dual nature of vaccination: “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.”