Publication

Non-specific effect of measles vaccination on overall child mortality in an area of rural India with high vaccination coverage: a population-based case-control study

Authored by:

Kabir, K., Long, J., Reddaiah, V.P., et al

Full Citation:

Kabir, K., Long, J., Reddaiah, V.P., et al 2003. Non-specific effect of measles vaccination on overall child mortality in an area of rural India with high vaccination coverage: a population-based case-control study. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 81(4).

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Additional key concepts from this publication:

Administration of vaccines can also decrease childhood deaths from other causes, above and beyond the expected direct impact of the vaccine.

Key Evidence: An analysis of children aged 12-59 months in rural India showed that children who were not vaccinated against measles vaccine in infancy had a three times higher likelihood of death, with unvaccinated children from lower caste households having the highest risk of mortality (odds ratio, 8.9). However, the results also revealed a nonspecific reducing effect of the vaccine on the overall child mortality in this region. This indicates that vaccination against measles can benefit the overall population, especially those in lower castes who have not received the vaccine in infancy. Thus, making them the group that would receive the highest benefit.