Global Initiative to Expand Vaccination Efforts for Children
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By
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O. Rose Broderick
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April 24, 2026
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Clinical Scorecard: Global Initiative to Expand Vaccination Efforts for Children
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Childhood vaccine-preventable diseases |
| Key Mechanisms | Multiyear vaccination campaign targeting unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children |
| Target Population | Children under 5 years old, including zero dose children |
| Care Setting | Developing countries with disrupted immunization services |
Key Highlights
- The Big Catch-Up campaign has delivered over 100 million vaccinations across 36 countries.
- At least 18.3 million children under 5 have been vaccinated, with a goal of 21 million.
- 12.3 million zero dose children (previously unvaccinated) have received vaccines through this program.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Monitor vaccination coverage in children up to age 5 to identify missed vaccinations.
Management
- Implement targeted vaccination campaigns to reach zero dose and under-vaccinated children.
- Coordinate efforts among WHO, Gavi, and UNICEF to restore immunization services disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Extend vaccination coverage monitoring beyond age 2 to age 5 to ensure comprehensive immunization.
- Track vaccination uptake and coverage data regularly to assess campaign progress.
Risks
- Risk of vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks due to missed vaccinations during the pandemic.
- Potential for children remaining unvaccinated if monitoring stops prematurely.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Children under 5 years in developing countries with disrupted immunization schedules
Vaccination campaigns effectively increase coverage, especially among zero dose children, reducing vulnerability to preventable diseases.
Clinical Best Practices
- Prioritize identification and vaccination of zero dose children to close immunity gaps.
- Maintain vaccination coverage monitoring up to age 5 to capture late immunizations.
- Leverage international partnerships to support resource-limited settings in vaccine delivery.
References
