The Resurgence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases: A Global Health Threat

Byadmin

In 2025, doctors and health authorities across the world are raising alarms about a serious issue: the comeback of diseases that were once under control — thanks to vaccines.

From measles and diphtheria to polio and pertussis (whooping cough), several vaccine-preventable diseases are now rising again. India and other countries are working fast to stop this trend, but awareness is key.

In this detailed report from healthcare, we bring you the latest facts, updates, causes, and actions that you and your family can take today.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Making a Comeback

Diseases that had become rare are now being reported again. Here are some of the major ones making headlines:

Disease Country Recent Reports (2024–2025)
Measles India, USA, UK Thousands of cases in children
Diphtheria India, Africa, Europe Rising in teens & adults
Polio Pakistan, Africa, parts of Asia New cases of wild poliovirus
Rubella Southeast Asia Risk for pregnant women
Whooping Cough USA, Australia Increase among school-going kids

Main Reasons Behind This Global Health Concern

There are multiple causes why these diseases are coming back:

1. Drop in Vaccination During COVID-19

Routine child vaccinations were delayed during the pandemic due to lockdowns and hospital overload.

2. Misinformation on Social Media

Many parents are confused due to fake posts about vaccine side effects, which leads to vaccine hesitancy.

3. Lack of Access in Rural Areas

Some children, especially in tribal and rural belts, still do not get full immunization.

4. Migration and Global Travel

People moving across countries and states can unknowingly spread these diseases.

India’s Current Vaccination Status (2025)

As per data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW):

  • Over 85% of children in India are fully vaccinated.
  • But nearly 1.9 million children missed routine vaccines in 2023–2024.
  • States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, and Jharkhand are working on fresh immunization drives to close the gap.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Parents and adults should be alert to these common signs of vaccine-preventable diseases:

Disease Common Symptoms
Measles High fever, red rash, cough
Diphtheria Sore throat, difficulty breathing, thick grey coating in throat
Polio Muscle weakness, paralysis, fever
Rubella Mild fever, rash, swollen glands
Whooping Cough Severe coughing fits, whooping sound, breathlessness

If these symptoms appear, especially in children, immediate medical care is advised.

What Government and WHO Are Doing

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian health bodies have taken major steps:

  • Intensified Mission Indradhanush 5.0 (India’s immunization campaign for zero-dose children)
  • Global Measles & Rubella Elimination Program by WHO
  • School and Anganwadi-based vaccination reminders
  • Door-to-door awareness drives in urban slums and rural districts

How You Can Stay Protected

  • Check Your Vaccine Records: Ensure your child has received all the scheduled vaccines as per India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).
  • Get Catch-Up Shots: If your child missed any dose during the COVID period, ask your nearest government hospital or PHC about catch-up shots.
  • Educate Others: Talk to friends and family about the importance of vaccines — especially in communities that may be misinformed.
  • Trust Verified Sources: Always get health information from platforms like WHO, MoHFW, or healthcare.

New Vaccine Tools in 2025

Scientists are also working on better and easier vaccine tools:

  • Needle-free vaccines for children
  • Thermostable vaccines that don’t require cold storage (perfect for remote villages)
  • Combined vaccines that offer 3–5 protections in one shot

These advances will help make vaccination simpler and more accessible to everyone in India and beyond.

Common Questions Indian Families Are Asking

Q1. Are vaccines safe for my newborn baby?
Yes, they are tested and approved. The Indian government follows strict safety protocols.

Q2. Can adults take vaccines too?
Yes, booster doses for diphtheria, flu, and COVID are recommended.

Q3. What is the full vaccine schedule in India?
It starts from birth and continues up to 15 years. You can ask your doctor or Anganwadi worker for the latest schedule.

Q4. Is the polio vaccine still needed?
Yes. Though India is polio-free since 2014, children still need doses to prevent return.

Final Words

The return of old diseases is not something we can ignore. These illnesses are dangerous — but they are also preventable. All we need to do is stay aware, trust science, and get vaccinated on time.

Let’s not let misinformation and fear undo decades of good work in public health. The solution is simple, affordable, and available: vaccines save lives.

📌 For more health alerts, medical research news, and simple wellness guides, keep visiting healthcare.

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