Impact of COVID-19 on routine childhood immunisations in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review

Abstract

Routine vaccines are critical to child health. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted essential health services, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). We reviewed literature to determine the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery and uptake of routine childhood immunisation in LMICs. We reviewed papers published between March 2020 and June 2022 using a scoping review framework, and assessed each paper across the World Health Organisation health system strengthening framework. Our search identified 3,471 publications; 58 studies were included. One-quarter of studies showed routine childhood immunisation coverage declined (10% to 38%) between 2019 to 2021. Declines in the number of vaccine doses administered (25% to 51%), timeliness (6.2% to 34%), and the availability of fixed and outreach services were also reported. Strategies proposed to improve coverage included catch-up activities, strengthening supply chain and outreach services. Re-focusing efforts on increasing coverage is critical to improve child health and reduce the likelihood of disease outbreaks.

Status of Routine Immunization Coverage in the World Health Organization African Region Three Years into the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the disruption of routine vaccination services in the WHO African Region, resulting in decreased immunization coverage for lifesaving vaccines and increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases for millions of children [ 10 , 18 , 19 ]. This study, using the latest WUENIC data at the time of publication, shows that immunization coverage for most routine vaccines in the WHO African Region, in 2022, has not yet reached pre-pandemic levels.…”

A Four Years Longitudinal Study of Childhood Vaccination Trends and Supply Chain Resilience in Tanzania amid COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While immunisation declines are most outstanding in LMICs, where the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases is at the highest level and vaccine coverage is lowest, declines have also been reported in high-income settings [23,29]. A decrease in vaccination rates has also been reported in high-income countries such as England [24,30].…”

“…Various studies have highlighted the decline in childhood vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The possible decrease in the vaccination rate was predicted earlier during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) [24]. This prediction impacted the effect of curative and preventive services at the beginning of the pandemic [25,26].…”

A Four Years Longitudinal Study of Childhood Vaccination Trends and Supply Chain Resilience in Tanzania amid COVID-19 Pandemic

“…While immunisation declines are most outstanding in LMICs, where the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases is at the highest level and vaccine coverage is lowest, declines have also been reported in high-income settings [23,29]. A decrease in vaccination rates has also been reported in highincome countries such as England [24,30].…”