Childhood vaccination rates in EU show signs of post-pandemic decline

A study published in The Lancet Regional Health reveals that childhood vaccination rates across the 27 EU member states have shown a concerning decline in the years following the Covid-19 pandemic. Researchers analyzed data from the WHO and UNICEF covering 1980 to 2024, focusing on seven major vaccines, including those for polio, measles, and diphtheria. While the EU achieved historically high coverage levels over the last four decades, the trend has reversed recently, with 16 member states reporting significant drops for at least four vaccines.

In 2024, Luxembourg and Portugal maintained high coverage of at least 95%, whereas Romania fell below 80%. Countries including Cyprus, Bulgaria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden recorded declines across all seven analyzed vaccines, while Germany and Spain reported decreases in five categories. This downward trend heightens the risk of infectious disease outbreaks throughout the region. The study concludes that while long-term progress remains substantial, the post-pandemic erosion of vaccination uptake requires urgent attention to prevent the resurgence of preventable childhood diseases.