In a study modeling the economic impact of immunization in 41 low- and middle-income countries, the authors estimate that 24 million cases of medical impoverishment would be averted through the use of vaccines administered from 2016-2030. The largest proportion of poverty cases averted would occur in the poorest 40% of these populations, demonstrating that vaccination can provide financial risk protection to the most economically vulnerable.
Global
Vaccination can prevent over a million cases of poverty in low- and middle-income countries
Vaccines that can protect against pneumonia – Hib and S. pneumoniae vaccines – can together prevent over 1.25 million cases of poverty over 15 years, found researchers modeling the economic impact of immunization in 41 low- and middle-income countries.
Immunization can prevent medical debts and improverishment, particularly in the poorest populations
A study modeling the economic impact of 10 childhood immunizations in 41 low- and middle-income countries found that the bulk of poverty averted through vaccination occurs in poor populations. For most of the vaccines in the study, at least 40% of the poverty averted would occur in the poorest wealth quintile. Particularly for pneumonia, more than half of the two million deaths averted by pneumococcal and Hib vaccines would occur in the poorest 40% of the population.
Parental education can be one of the most significant drivers of vaccine coverage inequities
In an analysis of immunization coverage in 45 low- and lower-middle income Gavi-eligible countries, researchers found that overall, maternal and paternal education were two of the most significant drivers of coverage inequities in these countries. Pooling the data from all countries, the authors found that “children of the most educated mothers are 1.45 times more likely to have received DTP3 than children of the least educated mothers.” The same held true for measles vaccines with a 1.45-fold likelihood of vaccination in children of the most educated mothers.
Maternal education is a strong predictor of vaccine coverage
Researchers looking at vaccination coverage in 45 low- and middle-income countries found that maternal education is a strong predictor of vaccine coverage. Children of the least educated mothers are 55% less likely to have received measles containing vaccine and three doses of DTP vaccine than children of the most educated mothers.
In general, countries with high levels of gender inequality have lower levels of immunization coverage
To better understand the drivers of vaccination coverage and equity, a 2017 study examined the country-level factors influencing vaccination coverage in 45 low- and lower-middle income Gavi-supported nations. Countries with the least gender equality – as measured by reproductive health, women-held parliamentary seats, educational attainment, and other factors – also had lower rates of vaccine coverage.
Vaccination can decrease childhood deaths from other causes (non-specific effects) above and beyond the expected direct impact of the vaccine
In a 2014 review of the non-specific effects of measles vaccines, among others, the WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts indicated that some studies of measles vaccine were suggestive (but not conclusive) of a beneficial effect of measles vaccine on overall mortality beyond the expected direct effect of the vaccine against measles. In particular, randomized control trials of children in Guinea- Bissau which looked at mortality up to the age of 9 months showed a low number of deaths post administration of the 3 doses of the measles vaccine over the study follow up period. Another trial in Nigeria also showed similar results.
In some cases, girls may reap greater health benefits from some vaccinations than boys
Across multiple studies reviewed, the effect of measles vaccine appears to be more beneficial to girls combating all-cause mortality when differences between vaccine effect in boys and girls was assessed.
Children living in slum conditions have greater risk of illness and less access to immunization
Children in slum settings have higher burdens of vaccine-preventable disease (one study found children in slums in Manila, Philippines were 9 times more likely to have tuberculosis than other urban children) and lower rates of immunization (a study in Niger found 35% coverage in slums vs. 86% in non-slum urban areas).
Children living in slums suffer from higher rates of diarrheal and respiratory illness
Children in slums suffer from higher rates of diarrheal and respiratory illness, malnutrition, and have lower vaccination rates. Mothers residing in slums are more poorly educated and less likely to receive antenatal care and skilled birth assistance.