COVID-19 Pandemic Disrupts Non-COVID-19 Vaccinations in US Primary Care Practices

Strategic Insights -

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruptions to non-COVID-19 vaccinations in the United States, with a notable decline in vaccination rates among children and adults. Research conducted by the University of Kentucky found that the number of vaccinated individuals decreased by 9.6% among children and adolescents and 4.2% among adults in the first year of the pandemic. The decline in vaccination rates persisted through the second year of the pandemic, with a 19.4% decrease among children and adolescents and a 14.2% decrease among adults compared to the pre-pandemic year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant decline in non-COVID-19 vaccinations in US primary care practices, with a 9.6% decrease among children and adolescents and a 4.2% decrease among adults in the first year.
  • The decline in vaccination rates persisted through the second year of the pandemic, with a 19.4% decrease among children and adolescents and a 14.2% decrease among adults compared to the pre-pandemic year.
  • The decline in vaccination rates was worse than the decline in visit rates throughout the remainder of the pandemic, indicating a significant impact on vaccination access and utilization.
  • Females, rural residents, and individuals living in areas with higher social risk had the lowest likelihood of vaccination and this gap increased during the pandemic.
  • The research concluded that the decline in vaccinations raises concerns that delayed or missed vaccinations may trigger outbreaks of preventable diseases and the resurgence of diseases that were previously under control.

Statistics:

  • The number of vaccinated individuals decreased by 9.6% among children and adolescents and 4.2% among adults in Pandemic Year 1.
  • The decline in vaccination rates persisted through the second year of the pandemic, with a 19.4% decrease among children and adolescents and a 14.2% decrease among adults compared to the pre-pandemic year.
  • The decline in vaccination rates was worse than the decline in visit rates throughout the remainder of the pandemic.
  • 19.4% of children and adolescents and 14.2% of adults had a lower likelihood of vaccination in Pandemic Year 2 compared to the pre-pandemic year.
  • Females, rural residents, and individuals living in areas with higher social risk had a lower likelihood of vaccination throughout the pandemic.

Sources:

  • PLOS One. The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic On Vaccinations In United States Primary Care Practices. 2025;20(6).
  • NewsRx. Recent Findings from University of Kentucky Provides New Insights into COVID-19 (The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic On Vaccinations In United States Primary Care Practices). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. July 20, 2025; p 151.