Mapping routine measles vaccination in low- and middle-income countries

Abstract

The safe, highly effective measles vaccine has been recommended globally since 1974, yet in 2017 there were more than 17 million cases of measles and 83,400 deaths in children under 5 years old, and more than 99% of both occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)1–4. Globally comparable, annual, local estimates of routine first-dose measles-containing vaccine (MCV1) coverage are critical for understanding geographically precise immunity patterns, progress towards the targets of the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and high-risk areas amid disruptions to vaccination programmes caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)5–8. Here we generated annual estimates of routine childhood MCV1 coverage at 5 × 5-km2 pixel and second administrative levels from 2000 to 2019 in 101 LMICs, quantified geographical inequality and assessed vaccination status by geographical remoteness. After widespread MCV1 gains from 2000 to 2010, coverage regressed in more than half of the districts between 2010 and 2019, leaving many LMICs far from the GVAP goal of 80% coverage in all districts by 2019. MCV1 coverage was lower in rural than in urban locations, although a larger proportion of unvaccinated children overall lived in urban locations; strategies to provide essential vaccination services should address both geographical contexts. These results provide a tool for decision-makers to strengthen routine MCV1 immunization programmes and provide equitable disease protection for all children.

Estimating global and regional disruptions to routine childhood vaccine coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020: a modelling study

“…As SARS-CoV-2 rapidly spread in March–April, 2020, disruptions to routine immunisation programmes were large and pervasive, 42 exacerbating stalled global progress in childhood vaccination. 8 , 43 , 44 In April, 2020, global routine doses of DTP3 and MCV1 fell by an estimated 30% compared to expected levels, with several GBD super-regions experiencing sharper declines. Despite disruptions to vaccination, in the short term the transmission risk of vaccine-preventable diseases might have been temporarily mitigated by mask use, physical distancing, and other types of preventive behaviours practised during the pandemic.…”

Flattening the Pandemic Curve of COVID-19 Explosion in India

“…Also, vaccination drive must be accompanied with continuation of present mitigation measures such wearing of mask and physical distancing [26]. Vaccine approval is an important step toward the flattening of curve but vaccine hesitance emerging from Infodemic and misinformation may hinder the efforts of containing the viral spread [27][28][29][30].…”

The Dark Side of the Moon: Global challenges in the distribution of vaccines and implementation of vaccination plans against COVID-19

“…Companies also managed the commercial opportunity; for example, Sanofi proclaimed that the United States had the right to a greater batch of pre-purchased vaccines [9]. Similarly, several countries signed Advance Purchase Agreements with vaccine manufacturers to ensure their supply vaccines in early stages [10]. In fact, of the first 10 billion doses to be produced, half have been requested by countries of the European Union and five other countries only [11].…”