Fast Facts on Global Immunization

Immunization Prevents Death Worldwide

• 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year.
• More than 50 million deaths can be prevented through immunization between 2021 and 2030.
  • By 2030, it is estimated that:
    • Measles vaccination can save nearly 19 million lives.
    • Hepatitis B vaccination can save 14 million lives.

1 in 5 Children Globally Do Not Have Access to Essential Immunizations

Lack of access to vaccines leaves children at risk of death, disability, and illness from preventable diseases.

• In 2021, global immunization coverage for infants dropped to 81%, the lowest rate in over a decade.
  • 25 million children under the age of 1 year did not receive basic vaccines through routine immunization.
    • This is 6 million more than before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019.
  • 18 million “zero-dose” children did not receive any vaccines, the highest reported number since 2005.
  • Almost all zero-dose children live in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Africa and South-East Asia.
    • 11 million, or 62%, live in just 10 countries.
  • Approximately 11 million under and unvaccinated infants live in fragile or conflict-affected countries.

Immunization Protects Health, Communities, and Economies From Vaccine-Preventable Disease Threats

• There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases, protect health throughout the lifespan, and help to prevent and mitigate outbreaks.
• $52 saved per $1 spent is the return on investment from immunization programs in low- and middle-income countries.
• It costs $18 per child to fully immunize children in low-income countries, reduced from over $24 in 2013.

Learn about what CDC is doing to improve health equity by prioritizing access and delivery of lifesaving vaccines.