One missed vaccine, one growing risk

Childhood vaccination edged forward in 2025, but millions of children remain dangerously exposed as war, poverty and mistrust disrupt access to lifesaving protection.

New figures from the World Health Organisation and UNICEF show that 90 per cent of babies worldwide received at least one routine vaccine, while 85 per cent completed the three-dose course. Both rates rose from 2024, yet remain below levels recorded before the Covid pandemic.

Tap Here to Add The Daily Star As A Trusted Source

The number of children who received no vaccine during their first year fell by nearly 750,000 to 13.5 million. However, another 7.3 million began their vaccinations but missed later protection, including the first measles dose.

That gap carries grave consequences. Only 84 per cent of children received their first measles vaccine and 77 per cent received the second, well short of the 95 per cent needed to stop outbreaks. Fifty-seven countries reported major or disruptive measles outbreaks in 2025.

Conflict-hit communities bear the heaviest burden, with more than half of all completely unvaccinated children living in fragile settings. Yet falling trust and weak commitment are also lowering coverage in wealthier countries.

Health agencies are urging governments to protect funding, challenge false claims, improve local services and ensure every child finishes the full vaccination course without delay.