Publication

Inequity in childhood immunization in India: a systematic review

Authored by:

Mathew, J.L.

Full Citation:

Mathew, J.L. 2012. Inequity in childhood immunization in India: a systematic review. Indian Pediatrics. 49.

Additional key concepts from this publication:

Studies have shown that poorer children tend to be vaccinated at lower rates than wealthier children.

Key Evidence: Inequity in vaccination coverage in India was found between states, within states, and in urban vs. rural. Lower parental education resulted in lower coverage, girls had lower coverage than boys, and infants born to families with a large number of children also had lower coverage than others. A direct relationship between household wealth and coverage was also found.

Significant evidence of geographic inequity in vaccine coverage exists within countries, within states, and between populations living in rural, peri-urban, and urban areas.

Disparities in immunization coverage between girls and boys persist despite apparent equity in coverage at the national or global level. Focused efforts to address persistent gender inequities in vaccine coverage are needed.