UNICEF, WHO: Maintain Routine Immunization Services During Covid-19 Pandemic

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On the occasion of European Immunization Week on April 20-26, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) released a joint press statement yesterday (April 20).

Noting that "maintaining routine immunization services during Covid-19 pandemic is vital," the statement has indicated that the pandemic is "a stark reminder that infectious diseases know no borders."

"All countries are vulnerable, regardless of income levels or the strength of their health care systems," the statement has read further and added:

"Across the European region, where tens of millions of people have been living in lockdown for weeks, and over 100,000 people have died, the speed and devastation of the novel coronavirus has completely upended lives."

Within this context, the organizations have briefly stated the following:

'Missed routine vaccinations increase outbreak risk'

"The urgent need for a COVID-19 vaccine underscores the pivotal role immunizations play in protecting lives and economies. As scientists around the world work to develop a vaccine against the novel coronavirus and health care capacities are stretched in responding to COVID-19, national routine immunization programmes are more critical than ever before. 

"Governments across the region must use every opportunity possible to protect people from the many diseases for which vaccines are already available. When routine vaccinations are missed, the risk of disease outbreaks increases.

'Over 100 thousand people infected with measles last year'

"In 2018, approximately 527,000 children missed their first-dose of measles-containing vaccine in the WHO European Region. One year later in 2019, the measles virus exposed immunity gaps in Europe, infecting over 100,000 people, across all age-groups. Protecting children, adolescents and adults from vaccine-preventable diseases through vaccination is a must for the sustainability of health care systems.

"'We know that vulnerability to infectious diseases anywhere is a threat to public health everywhere,' said Ms. Afshan Khan, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.

'It is critical that routine immunization programmes continue during this crisis, while adequately protecting health workers and individuals receiving vaccinations. Reaching the most vulnerable children who have missed routine immunizations in the past should be prioritized.'

'Ensure equal access for everyone'

"If, during these unprecedented times, local COVID-19 response measures cause temporary interruptions of routine immunization services, countries should plan to resume immunization services as quickly as possible after the situation stabilizes.

"Countries should be prepared to vaccinate those at higher risk and ensure everyone, including the most marginalized, will have equal access to a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.

"'We can prevent further impact of COVID-19 on our healthcare systems by assuring that individuals of all ages remain vaccinated according to national schedules. I urge countries to maintain immunization service delivery and drive demand for vaccination, through the life-course even at this difficult time. Prioritizing immunization is one of my four flagship areas and central to WHO's vision for health in the new European Programme of Work," said Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe." (AÖ/SD)