Publication Date
1-1-2022
Journal
Current Tropical Medicine Reports
DOI
10.1007/s40475-022-00273-6
PMID
36569790
PMCID
PMC9760533
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-19-2022
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Post-print
Published Open-Access
yes
Keywords
COVID-19, Vaccine hesitancy, Childhood immunizations, Pandemics, COVID-19, Vaccine hesitancy, Childhood immunizations
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic, since 2020, has affected health care services and access globally. Although the entire impact of COVID-19 pandemic on existing global public health is yet to be fully seen, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global childhood immunization programs is of particular importance.
RECENT FINDINGS: Disruptions to service delivery due to lockdowns, challenges in vaccination programs, vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, and political and social economic inequalities all posed a threat to existing childhood immunization programs. These potential threats were especially critical in LMIC where childhood immunization programs tend to experience suboptimal implementation.
SUMMARY: This review provides an overview of childhood immunizations and discusses past pandemics particularly in LMIC, factors contributing to disparities in childhood immunizations, and reviews potential lessons to be learned from past pandemics. Vaccine hesitancy, social determinants of health, and best practices to help lessen the pandemic's influence are also further elaborated. To address current challenges that hindered the progress made in prevention of childhood illnesses through vaccination campaigns and increased vaccine availability, lessons learned through best practices explored from past pandemics must be examined to mitigate impact of COVID-19 on childhood immunization and in turn conserve health and improve economic well-being of children especially in LMIC.
Included in
Clinical Epidemiology Commons, COVID-19 Commons, Influenza Humans Commons, Influenza Virus Vaccines Commons, Medical Sciences Commons, Medical Specialties Commons