A Record 40 Million Kids Miss Measles Vaccine Dose

The United States and the World Health Organization According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, since the coronavirus pandemic started, measles vaccination rates have substantially decreased, which led to a record-breaking high of roughly 40 million youngsters missing a vaccine dose last year.

According to a report released on Wednesday by the WHO and the CDC, measles, one of the most contagious illnesses in the world, is now a risk for millions of youngsters.

According to authorities, there were 128,000 measles fatalities and roughly 9 million cases globally in 2021.

The WHO and CDC stated that “measles is an imminent threat in every part of the world” due to outbreaks in more than 20 countries, declining vaccination rates, inadequate disease surveillance, and delayed response plans due to COVID-19.

The WHO and CDC reported that only about 81% of children receive their first dose of measles vaccine while 71% receive their second dose, marking the lowest global coverage rates for the first measles dose since 2008.

Scientists estimate that at least 95% of a population needs to be immunized to protect against epidemics.

The CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, stated in a statement that “the record number of children under-immunized and susceptible to measles indicates the tremendous damage immunization systems have done throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Measles symptoms include fever, muscle soreness, and a rash on the face and upper neck.

It is typically transferred through direct contact or in the air.

Dehydration and brain enlargement are two consequences leading to most measles-related fatalities.

According to the WHO, individuals over 30 and children under five have the most severe consequences.

More than 95% of measles-related fatalities occur in underdeveloped nations, primarily in Africa and Asia.

Measles has no known cure, although the two doses of the vaccination are around 97% effective in preventing severe disease and death.

July saw the U.N. reported that due in significant part to the coronavirus disrupting regular health services or triggering vaccine reactions, 25 million youngsters have missed out on receiving standard vaccines against diseases like diphtheria.