Measles Immunization Coverage

Number of children aged 12-23 months who received at least one dose of measles vaccine (MCV1) divided by total children in that age group, multiplied by 100. Based on administrative immunization records or household surveys. Most countries use MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) or MR (measles-rubella) vaccines.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, requiring 95% vaccination coverage for herd immunity. Before widespread vaccination, measles caused ~2.6 million deaths annually. Outbreaks indicate gaps in immunization systems. Measles vaccination coverage is a sensitive marker of healthcare access for vulnerable populations, especially in remote areas.

Very Low: < 50% (inadequate - major outbreak risk) Low: 50-70% (insufficient - frequent outbreaks) Moderate: 70-90% (approaching target - sporadic outbreaks) Good: 90-95% (WHO target met - rare outbreaks) Excellent: > 95% (herd immunity - disease elimination feasible) WHO target: ≥ 95% coverage for measles elimination Global average: ~83% MCV1 (2023) Measles requires 95% coverage to prevent outbreaks (highly contagious R0 = 12-18)

Coverage: 194 countries Update frequency: Annual Source: WHO/UNICEF estimates Limitations: Administrative data often inflated. Does not track MCV2 (second dose) which is increasingly required for elimination. Subnational disparities not captured - national coverage may mask pockets of low immunity. Vaccine hesitancy growing in some high-income countries.