#Asia

The alarming drop in childhood vaccination rates is raising fresh fears of infectious disease resurgence in Thailand and around the world. According to recent research highlighted by international health experts, the downward trend in routine immunizations is leaving populations increasingly vulnerable to outbreaks of preventable illnesses such as measles and polio, marking a pivotal moment for public health systems globally, including Thailand (WIRED).

This issue is especially crucial for Thai families and policymakers in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted health services and shifted public attention away from routine childhood immunizations. Historically, Thailand has celebrated strong immunization coverage, credited with eradicating diseases such as polio within its borders and sharply reducing cases of measles and diphtheria. However, the latest developments suggest these hard-won gains may now be at risk should the pattern mirror the global decline.

A worrying drop in childhood vaccination rates is fueling concerns about preventable disease outbreaks in Thailand and globally. Research highlighted by health experts shows routine immunizations slipping, leaving more children vulnerable to illnesses such as measles and polio. This moment calls for decisive public health action in Thailand and beyond.

The issue matters especially for Thai families and policymakers in the wake of the Covid-19 disruption to health services. Thailand has long boasted strong immunization coverage, helping erase polio within its borders and dramatically reduce measles and diphtheria cases. Yet recent trends hint that these hard-won gains could be at risk if the global decline persists.