In 1974, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Expanded Program on Immunization to ensure that all children have access to routinely recommended vaccines. Since then, global coverage with the four core vaccines (Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine [for protection against tuberculosis], diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine [DTP], polio vaccine, and measles vaccine) has increased from <5% to ≥84%, and additional vaccines have been added to the recommended schedule. Coverage with the third dose of DTP vaccine (DTP3) by age 12 months is a key indicator of immunization program performance. Estimated global DTP3 coverage has remained at 83%-84% since 2009, with estimated 2013 coverage at 84%. Global coverage estimates for the second routine dose of measles-containing vaccine (MCV2) are reported for the first time in 2013; globalcoverage was 35% by the end of the second year of life and 53% when including older age groups. Improvements in equity of access and use ofimmunization services will help ensure that all children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Harris JB, Gacic-Dobo M, Eggers R, Brown DW, Sodha SV. Global Routine Vaccination Coverage, 2013. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2014;63(46):1055-1058.