Thread by @WHO

Due to the #COVID19 pandemic, 2⃣3⃣ million children 👦👧 missed out on basic vaccines through routine immunization services in 2020, increasing by 3.7 million and the highest number since 2009.

More data from WHO & @UNICEF 👉bit.ly/3B4150v

Without high childhood vaccination rates, countries face risks of multiple disease outbreaks. Spread of diseases like #measles, polio or meningitis could be catastrophic for countries already battling #COVID19.

👉bit.ly/3B4150v #VaccinesWork

Up to 1⃣7⃣ million children likely did not receive a single vaccine during last year.

Most of these children 👧👦 live in conflicted-affected communities, slum areas or under-served remote places. 👉bit.ly/3B4150v

Last year, millions more children👧👦 missed even their first dose of diphtheria, tetanus & pertussis vaccine.

Countries with the highest increase include

#India 🇮🇳
#Pakistan 🇵🇰
#Indonesia 🇮🇩
#Philippines 🇵🇭
#Mexico 🇲🇽

More info 👉bit.ly/3B4150v

Even before #COVID19, global childhood vaccination rates against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles & polio had stalled for several years, putting millions of children at risk from devastating but preventable diseases.

More info 👉bit.ly/3B4150v

As health services resume, do not delay getting vaccinated. If you wait until an outbreak occurs, there may not be enough time to get all the vaccine doses you need. #VaccinesWork!

WHO is supporting countries to get back on track with immunization by:

✅ Restoring services & vaccination campaigns
✅ Amplifying vaccination info
✅ closing gaps in immunization coverage

and much more 👉bit.ly/3B4150v

Through the Immunization Agenda 2030, WHO & partners aim to

🎯 Achieve 90% coverage for essential vaccines given in childhood & adolescence
🎯 Halve the number of children who completely miss out on vaccination
🎯 Introduce 500 new vaccines in low & middle-income countries

https://twitter.com/who/status/1386748106117500928