Trends in childhood measles vaccination highlight socioeconomic inequalities in Vietnam

Vu Duy Kien,Hoang Van Minh,Ngo Tri Tuan,Kim Bao Giang,Mikkel B Quam,Vu Quynh Mai

doi:10.1007/s00038-016-0899-4

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe trends in measles vaccine coverage rates and their association with socioeconomic characteristics among children from age 12 to 23 months in Vietnam from the year 2000 to 2014.MethodsData were drawn from the Vietnam Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys in years 2000, 2006, 2011, and 2014. Concentration indices were used to determine the magnitude of socioeconomic inequalities in measles vaccine coverage. Associations between measles vaccine coverage and relevant social factors were assessed using logistic regression.ResultsSocioeconomic inequalities in measles vaccine coverage rates decreased during 2000–2014. Children belonging to ethnic minority groups, having mothers with lower education, and belonging to the poorest group were less likely to receive measles vaccine; although, their vaccine coverage rates did increase with time. Measles vaccine coverage declined among children of mothers with more education and belonging to the wealthiest socioeconomic group.ConclusionsUnderstanding the social factors influencing adherence to recommend childhood vaccination protocols is essential. Attempts to regain and retain herd immunity must be guided by an understanding of these social factors if they are to succeed.

Highlights

Among the most highly contagious infectious diseases, measles can be fatal for children and adults
Data were derived from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2000, 2006, 2011 and 2014 (General Statistics Office (GSO) 2000, 2006, 2011, 2014)
Lower educated mothers belonging to ethnic groups were less likely to have taken the opportunity to have their children vaccinated over the time period 2000–2014 compared to their socially and economically advantaged counterparts in Vietnam

Summary

Introduction

Among the most highly contagious infectious diseases, measles can be fatal for children and adults. Measles infection is characterized by fever, cough, conjunctivitis, and eventually rash following 8–12 days of the incubation period (Tannous et al 2014). Respiratory transmission spreads the virus person-to-person rapidly through populations in close contact with one another, with the peak in infectiousness about 3 days before the onset of rash (Tannous et al 2014). Further complicated control efforts, infected individuals may only seek health care around the peak of infectiousness, often making the hubs of measles outbreaks the hospitals and health care centers, along with schools and child care facilities (Dardis 2012; Perry and Halsey 2004; Yuan 1994).

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