90% of Infants Got Vaccines in 2025, 750K More Reached

Nearly 750,000 more babies received life-saving vaccines in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking another step forward in the global recovery from pandemic disruptions.

New data from WHO and UNICEF shows that 90 percent of infants worldwide received at least one dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine last year. An estimated 85 percent completed the full three-dose series that provides the strongest protection.

The numbers represent a one percentage point increase from 2024, continuing a steady upward trend. The number of "zero-dose" children who received no vaccines at all dropped to 13.5 million, down from 14.25 million the year before.

"Governments and health workers have helped global vaccination rates bounce back after dropping significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. She emphasized that while progress is happening, conflict, displacement and poverty still leave vulnerable children unprotected.

Sudan recorded one of the world's largest improvements in vaccination coverage during 2025, proving that even countries facing conflict can expand access when health services reach more communities. The breakthrough demonstrates that barriers to immunization can be overcome with the right support.

More than half of all zero-dose children live in fragile or conflict-affected countries where war, instability and underfunding disrupt health programs. Syria saw coverage decline during 2025, while other conflict zones showed that recovery is possible.

Health officials noted that some middle and high-income countries experienced declining rates despite vaccine availability, pointing to hesitancy and weakening commitment as challenges to address.

The Bright Side

Behind every percentage point increase are real children now protected from deadly diseases. The 750,000 babies who received vaccines in 2025 that might have missed them the year before represent families reached, trust rebuilt and health systems getting stronger.

Sudan's turnaround shows what's possible when communities gain access to care, even during difficult times. Health workers on the ground are finding creative ways to reach children in challenging circumstances, from conflict zones to remote areas.

WHO Director-General Tedros emphasized that vaccines remain one of the most effective and equitable public health tools available. "Every child, whether born into wealth or poverty, peace or conflict, deserves the life-giving protection that vaccines provide," he said.

The agencies called on governments and partners to strengthen programs in fragile settings, combat misinformation and increase funding to keep the momentum going. Progress is happening, one child at a time.