Childhood, health inequalities, and vaccine-preventable diseases
Factsheet
1 THE MEASLES VACCINE HAS SAVED >20 million lives WORLDWIDE SINCE 2000. 1 in 10
Vaccination is a highly cost effective health intervention. It saves millions of people from certain infectious diseases, disability, and death each year. Vaccines protect health and children in the European region wellbeing and support the achievement of the remain vulnerable to potentially life- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)². threatening diseases as they have not received a basic set of vaccinations Europe is a world leader in controlling vaccine usually delivered in infancy9. preventable diseases3.
However, there were outbreaks of measles and cases of diphtheria, pertussis, and Inequalities in access to childhood mumps in Europe in 2016, 2017, and 2018. immunisation persist. Like other medical Measles cases in Europe tripled between interventions, vaccination is subject to the 2017 and 20184. social gradient10, contributing to health inequalities11. Wealth distribution, maternal The mid-term review of the WHO/Europe education, place of residence, the sex of Vaccination Plan 2015-2020 found that the the child, and poverty are linked to levels region is not on track to reach its goal of of vaccination coverage12,13. It is important verification of measles and rubella elimination, to consider these factors when designing and is at risk of not reaching vaccination universal vaccination programmes that coverage targets5. respond to the needs of low socio-economic groups. Less than 0.5% of GDP is allocated to disease prevention programs and vaccine expenditure fall below 0.5% of healthcare spending in many of the European countries6. 288% increase Vaccination hesitancy is on the rise7. Some in suspected measles cases parents are deciding not to vaccinate their in the European region 8 14. children due to fears of unproven side IN THE FIRST 3 MONTHS OF 2019, effects, lack of information or underestimating COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD IN 2018 consequences for the health of their children and herd immunity.
THE PUBLICATION OF EUROHEALTHNET POLICY PRECIS IS SUPPORTED BY THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, THROUGH THE PROGRAMME FOR EMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL INNOVATION (EASI 2014-2020). THIS PUBLI- EuroHealthNet CATION DOES NOT NECESSARILY REFL ECT THE POSITION OR OPINION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION EUROPEAN PARTNERSHIP FOR IMPROVING HEALTH, EQUITY & WELLBEING FACT- SHEET The level of vaccination varies between Member States