Fast Facts on Global Immunization

Key points

  • Immunization prevents deaths worldwide.
  • 1 in 5 children globally do not have access to lifesaving vaccines.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health services and millions of children missed vaccines.
A nurse gives a presentation to a group of pregnant women.

Overview

View LargerDownload
1 in 5 children globally do not have access to lifesaving vaccines.
1 in 5 children globally do not have access to lifesaving vaccines. About 4 million deaths worldwide are prevented by childhood vaccination every year. Each dollar spent on immunization saves $52 in low- and middle-income countries. That’s only $18 per child to fully immunize children in low-income countries. CDC works with U.S. and global partners to find and vaccinate children and others missed by vaccination programs.

Vaccination benefits

Vaccines save lives.

About 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.

Global vaccine access

1 in 5 children lack access to lifesaving vaccines.

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

In 2023, over 14.5 million children under the age of 1 did not receive basic vaccines (referred to as "zero-dose" children). This is nearly 2.7 million more than in 2019 before the start of the pandemic.

Almost all zero-dose children live in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Africa and South-East Asia. Over half of these children live in just 10 countries:

  • Angola
  • Afghanistan
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ethiopia
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Sudan
  • Yemen

A best buy for global health

Vaccines prevent disease that can disrupt economies.

There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases, protect health throughout the lifespan, and help to prevent and respond to outbreaks.

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

Print
Content Source:
Global Immunization