Childhood vaccination rates are showing signs of decline in several European countries following the Covid-19 pandemic, raising concerns about the potential return of infectious diseases, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
Researchers examined vaccination coverage for seven childhood vaccines across all 27 EU member states from 1980 to 2024, using data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
The study found a mixed picture, with the EU having reached historically high levels of childhood vaccination over the past four decades, although progress has varied between countries.
Cyprus among countries recording declines
In 2024, Luxembourg and Portugal recorded vaccination coverage of at least 95% for all seven vaccines examined, while Romania’s coverage was below 80%.
However, the study identified a widespread deterioration in recent years, with 16 EU countries recording declines in vaccination coverage for at least four of the vaccines.
Cyprus, Bulgaria, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania and Sweden recorded declines across all seven vaccines included in the analysis.
Germany and Spain also recorded decreases for five of the seven vaccines, while France and Italy saw coverage increase for four vaccines and decline for three.
Polio and meningitis B among biggest declines
The most significant recent decreases were recorded for childhood vaccination against meningitis B and polio, with coverage falling in 20 countries.
Hepatitis B vaccination coverage declined in 18 countries, while vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis fell in 17 countries.
The trends were comparatively less negative for measles and rubella vaccination.
Most of the declines began between 2019 and 2022, coinciding with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Researchers call for sustained coverage
The researchers said the pandemic-related health crisis may have played a role in the changes, but stressed that the study was not designed to determine their causes.
They highlighted the need to maintain high and sustained vaccination coverage to prevent the re-emergence of infectious diseases.
Over the past 50 years, vaccination has significantly reduced the impact of diseases including tetanus, pertussis, pneumonia, measles, influenza and diphtheria, preventing more than 154 million deaths worldwide, according to the study.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems and contributed to distrust and misinformation, factors that have added to the challenges facing vaccination programmes.
The study is published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
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