Pediatricians Are Worried About the Vaccination Drop Due to COVID-19

The pandemic is affecting every part of life as we know it, and, unfortunately, in some cases that’s including newborn care—and there’s one aspect of it that has pediatricians concerned across the globe: immunizations. In recent weeks, immunization rates have dipped lower and lower and experts worry some of these diseases may make a resurgence.

According to a statement issued by the Measles & Rubella Initiative—whose members include UNICEF, WHO, CDC, the American Red Cross and others—this month, over 117 million kids across 37 countries might have to miss out on their measles vaccine due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Internationally, immunization programs in several countries, including Mexico, Nigeria and Cambodia, have already been paused.

On a national scale, The New York Times reports that data from PPC, a pediatric electronic health records company, shows that during the week of April 5, the number of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) shots given to children decreased by approximately 50 percent; diphtheria and whooping cough shots decreased by 42 percent; and HPV vaccinations decreased by 73 percent. The data came from 1,000 independent pediatricians located across the country and used the week of February 16 as the baseline for numbers before COVID-19 became widespread.

Their data isn’t the only one showing lower numbers, however. A federally-funded program, Vaccines for Children, which gives immunization doses to uninsured people across several states, has also noticed sharp declines. According to The New York Times, their numbers for the MMR vaccine dropped as low as 71 percent towards the end of March.

“The last thing we want as the collateral damage of COVID-19 are outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, which we will almost certainly see if there continues to be a drop in vaccine uptake,” Dr. Sean T. O’Leary, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) committee on infectious diseases and immunization expert at Children’s Hospital in Denver, told the outlet. “Internationally, measles and diphtheria will pop up around the world. Even with limited travel, they can make it into the United States.”

In recent years, measles has already threatened to make a comeback. This month, the AAP issued guidance stating newborn care, including the vaccinations of infants and children through the age of 2, should be made a priority as much as possible. Pediatricians have to follow a strict schedule for immunizations, as often a series of shots are required in order to offer full protection. (Still if parents do miss shots, the CDC offers information on how to catch up.)

“I’ve noticed a change in families becoming more interested in vaccines,” Dr. Meade, the president of Washington state’s chapter of the AAP, tells The New York Times. “They’re recognizing how devastating infectious diseases can be.”

These are unprecedented and uncertain times, so it can be scary for new parents to know how to best protect their child. For any questions or concerns about the safety of bringing baby to a doctor’s office or getting vaccinated in the middle of an ongoing pandemic, it’s best to reach out directly to your pediatrician. They will be able to speak with you and answer any questions you may have.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.