Overview
- The peer‑reviewed study published Friday analyzed WHO and UNICEF data from 1980–2024 and found 16 of 27 EU countries showed recent declines for at least four of seven routine childhood vaccine indicators.
- The steepest, most widespread drops were in Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and polio, with 20 countries recording downward trends for each vaccine.
- Germany saw declines in five of seven measured vaccines in 2024 and national health bodies are now confronting very low flu uptake among at‑risk children, with the Standing Vaccination Commission citing roughly 10 percent coverage.
- German data show children under 18 accounted for about a third of influenza hospital admissions from 2015–2024 and children under four had hospitalization rates comparable to people over 80, prompting debate over broadening flu recommendations and expanding access points such as schools or pharmacies.
- Researchers trace many recent declines to 2019–2022 and cite service disruptions, misinformation and eroding trust as plausible contributors while warning that falling below the 95 percent protection benchmark increases the chance of local immunity gaps and outbreaks that would most harm infants, the elderly and immunocompromised people.