Fast Facts on Global Immunization

Key points

  • Immunization prevents deaths worldwide.
  • 1 in 5 children globally do not have access to lifesaving vaccines.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health services and millions of children missed vaccines.
A nurse gives a presentation to a group of pregnant women.

Vaccination benefits

Vaccines save lives.‎

Immunization prevents millions of deaths each year.

Global vaccine access

1 in 5 children lack access to lifesaving vaccines.‎

Lack of access to vaccines leaves children at risk of death, disability, and illness from preventable diseases.

In 2022, over 14 million children under the age of 1 did not receive basic vaccines (referred to as "zero-dose" children). This is nearly 4 million fewer than in 2021, but 1.4 million more than in 2019 before the start of the pandemic.

Almost all zero-dose children live in low- and middle-income countries, primarily in Africa and South-East Asia. Over half of these children live in just 10 countries:

  • Angola
  • Brazil
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Ethiopia
  • India
  • Indonesia
  • Mozambique
  • Nigeria
  • Pakistan
  • Philippines

A best buy for global health

Vaccines prevent disease that can disrupt economies.‎

There are more than 25 safe and effective vaccines to prevent diseases, protect health throughout the lifespan, and help to prevent and respond to outbreaks.

Learn about what CDC is doing to improve health equity by prioritizing access and delivery of lifesaving vaccines.