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Review
. 2023 Aug 1;19(2):2219577.
doi: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2219577. Epub 2023 Jun 8.

Impact of pandemics and disruptions to vaccination on infectious diseases epidemiology past and present

Elizabeth Hamson  1 , Carol Forbes  2 , Priscilla Wittkopf  2 , Anuja Pandey  2 , Diana Mendes  1 , Jack Kowalik  1 , Carole Czudek  3 , Tendai Mugwagwa  1
Affiliations
Review

Impact of pandemics and disruptions to vaccination on infectious diseases epidemiology past and present

Elizabeth Hamson et al. Hum Vaccin Immunother. .

Abstract

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide with vaccines playing a critical role in preventing deaths. To better understand the impact of low vaccination rates and previous epidemics on infectious disease rates, and how these may help to understand the potential impacts of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a targeted literature review was conducted. Globally, studies suggest past suboptimal vaccine coverage has contributed to infectious disease outbreaks in vulnerable populations. Disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to a decline in vaccination uptake and a reduced incidence in several infectious diseases; however, these rates have increased following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions with modeling studies suggesting a risk of increased morbidity and mortality from several vaccine-preventable diseases. This suggests a window of opportunity to review vaccination and infectious disease control measures before we see further disease resurgence in populations and age-groups currently unaffected.

Keywords: COVID-19; Infectious disease; literature review; vaccination rates.

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Conflict of interest statement

EH, TM, JCK, DM, and CC are employed by Pfizer (and may own Pfizer stock or stock options). CF, AP, and PW are employed by Evidera, which provides consulting and other research services to pharmaceutical, medical device, and related organizations. In their salaried positions, they work with a variety of companies and organizations, and are precluded from receiving payment or honoraria directly from these organizations for services rendered. Evidera received funding from Pfizer to participate in the study and the development of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
PRISMA diagram.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Causes of low vaccination rates.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Cumulative weekly number of reports of IPD in England due to any of the 13 serotypes covered by 13-valent Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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