Childhood vaccination rates across the European Union have shown a concerning, widespread decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study published in The Lancet Regional Health. Researchers analyzing data from the World Health Organization and UNICEF found that while the EU achieved historically high coverage over the past four decades, 16 member states experienced drops in at least four routine childhood vaccines between 2019 and 2022.
Pandemic Disruption and Falling Coverage Rates
While overall historical progress remains substantial, researchers identified a distinct downward turn coinciding with the pandemic era.
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania, and the Sweden recorded declines across all seven evaluated vaccines in recent years. Germany and Spain saw drops in five of the seven vaccines, while France and Italy reported increases in four vaccines alongside decreases in three others.
National Disparities Across European Member States
The data reveals a stark divide in vaccine uptake among European nations. In 2024, Luxembourg and Portugal maintained high performance, achieving at least 95% coverage across all seven vaccine categories. Conversely, Romania recorded an overall immunization rate sitting below 80%.
The sharpest recent declines occurred in immunizations for meningitis B and polio, with drops registered in 20 countries. Hepatitis B vaccinations fell in 18 countries, while combined diphtheria, tetanus, and polio immunizations declined in 17 nations. Measles and rubella vaccination trends appeared comparatively stable against the broader downward shift.
Public Health Risks and Historical Impact
Study authors emphasize an urgent need to restore and maintain high, durable vaccination coverage to prevent the resurgence of preventable infectious diseases.
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