April 27, 2020

Hello,
This week we celebrate World Immunization Week.

Immunizations have been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the “Ten Great Public Health Achievements of the 20^th Century,” with remarkable reductions in vaccine preventable diseases (particularly among children) and their associated hospitalizations, severe illnesses, disabilities, deaths, and healthcare costs.

Immunizations play a central role throughout the world in reducing childhood mortality.  The Expanded Programme on Immunizations of the World Health Organization (WHO) has worked for almost 5 decades to provide universal childhood immunization for children throughout the world.  UNICEF and WHO estimate that routine childhood immunizations prevent 2 to 3 million child deaths per year.

In the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the value of immunizations has never been more apparent.  It is humbling to consider that during the 1918 flu epidemic there were no routine immunizations—such important lifesavers today.  To fight this pandemic, the world is in the midst of an unprecedented scientific effort to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19. 

To protect the public health, it is critically important to maintain routine childhood immunizations during the pandemic.  We must guard against putting children at increased risk for vaccine preventable diseases, because of fear of spread of coronavirus.

Some recent news items highlighting the importance of immunization during the coronavirus pandemic are included below:

Vaccine Rates Drop Dangerously as Parents Avoid Doctor’s Visits

Vaccinations and COVID-19: What parents need to know

Hard fought gains in immunization coverage at risk without critical health services, warns WHO

Polio, measles, other diseases set to surge as COVID-19 forces suspension of vaccination campaigns

Guidance on routine immunization services during COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region (2020)

Global Group Warns COVID-19 May Hinder Measles Vaccination

Please join me in thanking the many scientists, clinicians, and public health practitioners who have been champions of immunization to improve the health of children, families, and communities.

Warm regards,
Barbara