A quick look: the state of routine immunization in Europe and Central Asia
A new UNICEF report shows that the public perception of the importance of childhood vaccines has declined in the region.
About
Immunization allows children everywhere to live lives free of many forms of disability and illness. UNICEF's The State of the World’s Children 2023 highlights the current situation of immunization for children globally. UNICEF's regional brief for Europe and Central Asia demonstrate that public demand, scientific innovations and – perhaps above all – political will can drive rapid change.
Now is a time for determination.
Now is a time for political will.
Now is the time to protect the health of every child.
67 million children
Between 2019 and 2021, 67 million children across the world missed out on routine vaccinations.
327,400 children
327,400 are “zero-dose” and “under-vaccinated” children. That means they have not received any vaccinations or the third required dose of the diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT3) vaccine.
29 countries
29 countries in the region found a decrease in the perception of the importance of vaccines for children.
One million
Nearly one million of children who missed one or several routine vaccinations live in Europe and Central Asia.
The State of the World’s Children 2023: Europe and Central Asia Regional Brief
Immunization coverage in Europe and Central Asia
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Nearly one million children in Europe and Central Asia missed all or some routine vaccinations between 2019 and 2021. Many of these children missed out on these vaccines due to the disruption to health services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Overall, vaccination coverage across Europe and Central Asia is relatively high compared to other regions. However, recent data show that the public perception of the importance of childhood vaccines has declined across countries in Europe and Central Asia since the onset of the pandemic.
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Immunization is central to protecting children’s health and well-being, allowing them to live free of many forms of disability and illness.
Understanding zero-dose
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Among children who missed one or several routine vaccinations in the region, 327,400 are “zero-dose” and “under-vaccinated” children, meaning they have either not received any vaccines or the third required dose of the diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine – critical markers in immunization coverage.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, North Macedonia and Ukraine have among the highest rates of zero-dose children in the region. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Montenegro, Romania and Ukraine have among the highest rates of under-vaccinated children.
Disruptions to vaccination
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The pandemic caused immense disruption to health services globally, including immunization. Across Europe and Central Asia, as in other parts of the world, several clinics were closed, the distribution of syringes and other medical supplies were disrupted, and health staff were prioritized for the COVID-19 response. Meanwhile, families were placed under lockdown and fearful of visiting health facilities.
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In countries where children missed out on routine immunizations, we have seen an uptick in vaccine-preventable illnesses such as diphtheria, measles and polio.
Vaccine confidence
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In 29 countries in Europe and Central Asia Region, there was a decrease in the perception of the importance of vaccines for children.
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Among the 29 countries, Croatia experienced the greatest decline in confidence in childhood vaccines, with a 29% decrease, followed by Latvia with a decrease of 27% and Slovakia with a decrease of 25%.
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Immunization saves lives. It is central in protecting children’s health and well-being, as it allows children everywhere to live lives free of many forms of disability and illness. Yet, since the onset of the pandemic, we have seen a decline in confidence in the perception of the importance of childhood vaccines.
Immunization trends
Other key data on immunization in Europe and Central Asia featured in the report include:
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The highest prevalence of zero-dose children is among mothers with primary education.
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Vulnerable and marginalized children in the region, including Roma children, are less likely to receive routine immunization, especially in Balkan countries, where vast gaps still exist.
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Despite achieving high human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage rates in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, a decline in coverage was present in most other countries. The HPV vaccine helps protect against several cancers, notably cervical cancer, estimated to be the fourth largest cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide.
Taking action
UNICEF is calling on governments to double-down on their commitment to increase financing for immunization and to work with stakeholders to unlock available resources, including leftover COVID-19 funds, to urgently implement and accelerate catch-up vaccination efforts to protect children and prevent disease outbreaks.
Among the recommendations for governments are the following:
- Urgently identify and reach all children, especially those who missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Strengthen confidence in and demand for vaccines, including by working closely with communities to address their vaccination needs and concerns.
- Prioritise funding to immunization services and primary health care.
- Build resilient health systems through investment in female health workers, innovation and local manufacturing.
