Grant McRae’s 3-Minute Spot Monday, May 5th, 2025
Key Points:
There are ongoing challenges with global vaccine supply, particularly for polio vaccines, which are primarily sourced from the US and can be challenging to obtain in some regions.
The US recently reported its first polio case in decades, likely due to decreased vaccination rates and possible importation from abroad.
By 2019, polio cases globally had dropped to single or low double digits. Still, disruptions from COVID-19 and reduced vaccination efforts have led to a dip in immunisation rates, raising concerns about potential resurgence.
Full immunity against polio requires completing the full vaccine course; incomplete vaccination leaves populations vulnerable to outbreaks.
Many countries, especially in Africa and parts of Asia, struggle to maintain high vaccination coverage, risking the progress toward eradication.
Diseases once considered eliminated, like measles and polio, are re-emerging in some places due to lapses in vaccination
Unless vaccination rates improve, Grant warns that we may see a return of vaccine-preventable diseases within the next five to ten years.
Overall Message:
Despite decades of progress and significant investment, lapses in vaccination threaten to reverse gains against polio and other preventable diseases. Rotary’s continued efforts remain crucial to maintaining high immunisation rates and preventing disease resurgence