Over the past decade, decreasing vaccination rates now threaten the huge beneficial impacts of vaccinations in the U.S. and globally. Researchers discuss the multifactorial barriers including increasing vaccine hesitancy and new clinical and public health challenges in vaccinations of U.S. adults.
Vaccines to prevent common and serious infectious diseases have had a greater impact on improving human health than any other medical advance of the 20th century, surpassing even sanitation and potable water. From the global eradication of smallpox in 1980 to the unprecedented development of effective and safe mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, vaccinations have played crucial roles in preventing millions of premature deaths and hospitalizations in adults and children.
"In the U.S., the continuing dedicated efforts of all clinical and public health professionals combined with advancements in vaccine technology and the resilience of public health systems all offer promise for the future," said senior author Charles H. Hennekens, M.D., first Sir Richard Doll Professor of Medicine and Preventive Medicine and senior academic advisor, in the departments of medicine, and population health and social medicine.
Although it was eliminated in 2000, the authors also discuss the clinical and public health challenges of measles in the U.S. and worldwide. Recent outbreaks in areas with low vaccination rates, exacerbated by more recent vaccine hesitancy, have led to a loss of herd immunity. By July 2023, 116 out of 195 countries reported lower measles vaccination rates.
"The emergence of new variants, particularly clade Ib, poses increased mortality risks," said Hennekens."A recently developed vaccine has been effective in limiting spread, particularly in high-risk areas like sub-Saharan Africa. However, global vaccination efforts face special challenges, including limited supplies and inadequate delivery to vulnerable populations."
Hennekens and Maki served for two years as lieutenant commanders in the U.S. Public Health Service as epidemic intelligence service officers with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . They served under Alexander D. Langmuir, M.D., who created the EIS and directed the epidemiology program at the CDC, as well as Donald A. Henderson, M.D., chief of the Virus Disease Surveillance Program at the CDC.
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