Information on the costs of vaccinating a child is needed for advocacy and resource mobilization purposes. Stakeholders need this information to better communicate the costs involved in vaccinating a child residing in low and middle income countries (LMICs). The costs of vaccinating a child differ between countries due to variations in vaccine products, vaccine prices negotiated with manufacturers, and differences in vaccine delivery costs.
UNICEF has developed a summary paper, using the best available data, that outlines the total costs of delivering a ‘standard’ childhood immunization schedule in 2020, which was updated in 2024. The estimates show that on average, the costs of vaccine and injection supplies for a child less than 24 months in LMICs amounted to US$31 in 2024 (compared to US$25 in 2020). When adding delivery costs, the total amount is US$73 (range US$46-US$130) per child. This is compared to US$58 per child in 2020 (range US$37 – US$101). Data and limitations are transparently explained and annually reviewed to keep the estimates accountable, reliable, and updated.