Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 22 million children in 2020 missed the first of two doses of the measles vaccine, increasing the risk of spreading the disease. This is stated in a joint report of the World Health Organization and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
"By 2020, more than 22 million children have missed the first dose of the measles vaccine. This is 3 million more than in 2019, which is the largest increase in the last two decades and creates dangerous conditions for explosions," the experts say.
According to them, only 70% of children received the second dose of the vaccine, which is significantly less than the 95% of immunizations needed to protect the population.
Although there were 80% fewer cases of measles in 2020 than in 2019, overall measles epidemiological surveillance worldwide has weakened.
They said major outbreaks of the disease had been reported in 26 countries. Vaccination campaigns have been delayed in 23 countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It is extremely important that the COVID-19 vaccination is given as soon as possible. However, this requires new resources so that major vaccination programs are not affected," the specialists said.
They say planned vaccinations need to be protected and enhanced.
