The Risk of Resurgence in Vaccine Preventable Infections Due to COVID-Related Gaps in Immunization

Abstract

Nationally, immunization delivery has decreased significantly during COVID-19. Internationally, over 60 national vaccine programs have been disrupted or suspended. As a result of these immunization declines, the global community is at risk for a resurgence in vaccine preventable infections including measles, pertussis and polio; all highly contagious diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality in children. Measles outbreaks have already occurred in many countries who suspended their vaccination programs. Outbreaks in the United States are likely to occur when social distancing stops and children return to school. Health care providers have acted quickly to institute multiple risk mitigation strategies to restore vaccine administration. However, childhood immunization rates remain below pre-COVID levels. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community leaders and local, state, regional and national public health departments are needed to reassure families that vaccine delivery during COVID is safe and to identify and catch-up those children who are under-immunized.