Routine vaccination rates must recover to reduce secondary health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors of this special report note that, although ending the COVID-19 pandemic is of utmost importance, it is critical to recover from what they describe as a “severe” disruption to routine vaccination services, which has resulted in “considerable deficits” of vaccination rates across all age groups.

Vaccinations that have seen drops include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP) and polio, as well as HPV vaccination rates for children 9-12. This drop in routine vaccinations may have dire consequences to future population health and a potential to strain an already overtaxed health system.

The authors conclude, “Recovering from the decline in routine vaccination rates caused by the pandemic will take years. This recovery requires all stakeholders to drive awareness of the importance of routinely recommended vaccines; facilitate access to vaccination; and build vaccine confidence.”

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