In this study, Abbas et al. used previous estimates of country-specific child mortality rates for vaccine-preventable diseases to model the potential effect of suspending routine childhood immunisation programs in Africa. The authors found that if vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, H. influenzae type b, S. pneumoniae, rotavirus, measles, meningitis A, rubella and yellow fever were suspended, an estimated 84 children would die before age 5 due to the suspension for every one excess COVID-19 death attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection acquired during routine vaccination visits. This benefit was greatest for the vaccinated child, and secondarily their siblings, parents/adult carers and surrounding older adults. Overall, authors do not recommend suspending routine childhood immunisations in Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the risks of mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases, far outweigh the benefits.