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Declining childhood vaccination rates and new EU programs

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-22 11:21 UTC → 2026-09-23 07:53 UTC · added removed

Declining childhood vaccination rates in Europe and new EU programs

Childhood vaccination rates are showing signs of decline or stagnation across various European regions. In the United Kingdom, health officials reported that MMRV vaccination rates in Dorset reached only 88 percent, failing to meet the 95 percent target necessary for population immunity. Additionally, flu vaccine uptake among primary school children in the West Midlands was recorded at 50.9 percent, which is below both the national average and pre-pandemic levels. Broadening the scope to the European Union, a study in The Lancet Regional Health - Europe, analyzing WHO and UNICEF data from 1980 to 2024, indicated that 16 of the 27 member states have experienced declining trends in at least four of seven routine childhood vaccinations. Notable declines were observed in meningitis B and polio vaccinations across 20 countries, alongside downward trends in Hepatitis B and the DTP combination. Recent data highlights specific countries where coverage has fallen for all seven analyzed vaccines, including Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland, the Netherlands, Romania, and Sweden. While Luxembourg and Portugal maintain high coverage, with at least 95 percent across all seven indicators, Romania has seen rates fall below 80 percent. Researchers suggest these downturns, which largely began between 2019 and 2022, may be linked to healthcare disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, such as overwhelmed health systems and delayed pediatric appointments. Rising vaccine skepticism and misinformation are also cited as contributing factors. New research also suggests that political affiliation may influence vaccination intentions based on how individuals perceive the vaccination rates of opposing political groups. In response to these trends, the European Court of Human Rights respiratory threats, some nations are expanding immunization programs. Croatia has upheld the right of states to mandate announced that RSV vaccinations as will be free for all children starting this autumn, with plans to expand free coverage for meningococcus, rotavirus, chickenpox, and influenza by 2027. Bulgaria is launching a condition National Program for school or nursery attendance, ruling that such mandates do not violate the right prevention of seasonal influenza in children, providing free immunization for those aged 6 months to respect 17 years. In Romania, pharmacies report increased interest and pre-orders for private life. seasonal influenza vaccines, particularly for children under seven.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-23 07:53 UTC Declining childhood vaccination rates and new EU programs
  2. 2026-09-22 11:21 UTC Declining childhood vaccination rates in Europe
  3. 2026-09-19 18:33 UTC Declining childhood vaccination rates in Europe
  4. 2026-09-18 14:48 UTC Declining childhood vaccination rates in Europe
  5. 2026-09-18 13:05 UTC Declining childhood vaccination rates in Europe

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