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Vaccination against measles may also decrease overall child mortality, especially among children in lower castes

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.

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).

Title of Article: 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

Author(s): Kabir, K., Long, J., Reddaiah, V.P., et al

Publication Year: 2003

Publication Name: Bulletin of the World Health Organization

Publication Volume: 81(4)

Publication Source URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2572437/

DOI (Digital Object Identifier): PMID: 12764490

Topics: Health

Disease Vaccines: Measles

Countries: India

WHO Regions: South-East Asia