Routine Immunization
Ideally, every child should have two doses of measles vaccine and a rubella-containing vaccine through routine services.
Global average coverage with a first dose of measles vaccine (MCV1) through routine immunization improved globally from 72% in 2001 to 85% in 2010, but it remained stagnant through 2020. The global COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted immunization systems worldwide with decreases in routine vaccination coverage in all world regions. In 2021 global coverage of MCV1 decreased to 81%, the lowest level since 2008.
Despite these setbacks, the Measles & Rubella Partnership advocates and offers technical support to countries to strengthen their routine services, and continues to assist countries to introduce a measles second dose and measles-rubella vaccine.Encouragingly, by the end of 2022, 188 countries have introduced a second dose of measles vaccine into their routine program. Countries have also introduced a rubella-containing vaccine and to date 173 (89%) countries have done so, with an estimated coverage of 70% globally in 2020.
Encouragingly, by the end of 2022, 188 countries introduced a second dose of measles vaccine into their routine program. Estimated global MCV2 coverage increased from 15% in 2000 to 74% in 2022.
Financial support offered by the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance since 2012 has helped fourteen countries to introduce a second dose of measles-containing vaccine in their routine vaccination program.
Countries have also introduced a rubella-containing vaccine and to date 173 (89%) countries have done so, with an estimated coverage of 71% globally. Here again Gavi funding offers an encouraging opportunity for improvement as Gavi will support countries to introduce a rubella-containing vaccine (combined with measles vaccine), first through a campaign and then via routine immunisation services.
It’s important to remember that an estimated 21.9 million infants did not receive the first routine measles vaccination in 2022. From the total children missed, 10 countries contributed 12 million or 55%. These were Nigeria (3 million), Democratic Republic of the Congo (1.8 million), Ethiopia (1.7 million), India (1.1 million), Pakistan (1.1. million), Angola (0.8 million), Philippines (0.8 million), Indonesia (0.7 million), Brazil (0.5 million), and Madagascar (0.5 million).
The world’s poorest children, who are less likely to receive the vaccine through the routine health system in the near future, are at a greater risk of contracting measles and dying from complications. Without interventions by the Measles & Rubella Partnership, including support for outreach and intensified campaigns, they remain vulnerable, and it will be a major challenge to reach the 95% mortality reduction and measles elimination goals.
Updated on January 10, 2023
Partnership Alliance
The mark 'CDC' is owned by the US Dept. of Health and Human Services and is used with permission. Use of this logo is not an endorsement by HHS or CDC of any particular product, service, or enterprise. CDC's logo and work with the Partnership is not connected to any fundraising aspect of the organization.
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