Global routine immunization stalls as 85% of infants complete key vaccine series

Global routine childhood immunization has plateaued, with 85% of infants worldwide completing the full three-dose series of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2025, according to the latest WHO-UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC). That figure represents approximately 110 million children, while a broader 90% of infants, or nearly 116 million, received at least one dose of the DTP vaccine, as reported by news-medical.net.

news-medical.netGlobal child immunization rates stall despite minor pandemic recovery

"Global child immunization rates stall despite minor pandemic recovery"

The headline from news-medical.net captures the mixed picture: coverage has not meaningfully improved even as the world moves past the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and millions of children remain unprotected against preventable diseases.

"immunization is a highly cost-effective public health intervention, preventing an estimated 4.4 million deaths annually." The statement from UNICEF, carried by unicef.link, underscores the high stakes of even a small drop in coverage. The DTP3 vaccination rate is a key marker for the strength of routine immunization services globally.

unicef.linkGlobal DTP3 vaccination coverage reaches 85% in 2025, UNICEF reports

Despite the enormous number of lives saved each year, the stalled progress signals persistent gaps in reaching the most vulnerable children. The WHO and UNICEF estimates serve as a critical tool for tracking where efforts must be redoubled to ensure every infant receives the full protection these vaccines offer.