The COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on recommended pediatric vaccination rates due to several factors such as lockdown regulations and fear of infection. According to a multi-country survey conducted by Ipsos Healthcare, 50% of scheduled meningitis vaccination appointments were canceled or delayed amid the pandemic.
Permanent disabilities and death can result from Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). IMDs caused by Neisseria meningitidis can be prevented with a meningitis vaccine. With declining vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, results from the survey demonstrate the importance of continuing vaccinations against infectious diseases during a pandemic.
The survey, conducted between January 19, 2021, and February 16, 2021, featured 4962 parents (53.9% identified as female) of children aged 0 to 4 years from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Brazil, Argentina, and Australia, andparents of adolescents aged 11 to 18 years in the United States. Differing vaccination schedules resulted indifferent age ranges for the United States. All parents participating in the survey were aged at least 18 years and were either the sole or joint decision-makers for their children.