Inequalities In Immunization Coverage Research Articles

Childhood immunization and age-appropriate vaccinations in Indonesia

BackgroundChildhood immunization is a cost-effective way to protect individuals against communicable diseases. However, although there is a large literature on childhood immunization in Indonesia, there is a paucity of research on the age-appropriateness on measles and DTwP-3 vaccination, and the inequities in immunization coverage across Indonesia.MethodsIn this paper, using seven waves of data from the nationally representative Indonesia Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) covering the period 1991- 2017, we empirically analyse the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing the uptake of four routine vaccines (BCG, Polio-3, DTwP-3, and Measles). Specifically, using multivariate regression analysis, we identify the socio-economic and demographic factors influencing childhood immunization coverage. We further analyse the socio-economic and demographic correlates of the age-appropriateness of the measles and DTwP-3 vaccination coverage.ResultsOur findings show that parental education and use of healthcare services are strong predictors of full immunization and age-appropriate vaccinations. This study also finds evidence of spatial heterogeneity in both full immunization rates and age-appropriate vaccinations for measles and DTwP-3 vaccines.ConclusionsOur analysis finds that despite an improvement in the timing of vaccinations over the last two decades, a significant proportion of children continue to receive their measles and DTwP vaccinations age inappropriately. In particular, we find that maternal education and maternal engagement with healthcare services are critical in improving age appropriateness of vaccinations. From a policy perspective, these results call for concerted efforts by policy makers to address regional gaps in access to health services and immunization coverage, as well as to improve the age-appropriateness of vaccination.

Household expenditure for immunization among children in India: a two-part model approach

BackgroundDespite the Indian government’s Universal Immunization Program (UIP), the progress of full immunization coverage is plodding. The cost of delivering routine immunization varies widely across facilities within country and across country. However, the cost an individual bears on child immunization has not been focussed. In this context, this study tries to estimate the expenditure on immunization which an individual bears and the factors affecting immunization coverage at the regional level.MethodsUsing the 75th round of National Sample Survey Organization data, the present paper attempts to check the individual expenditure on immunization and the factors affecting immunization coverage at the regional level. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to fulfil the study objectives. The two-part model has been employed to inspect the determinants of expenditure on immunization.ResultsThe overall prevalence of full immunization was 59.3 % in India. Full immunization was highest in Manipur (75.2 %) and lowest in Nagaland (12.8 %). The mean expenditure incurred on immunization varies from as low as Rs. 32.7 in Tripura to as high as Rs. 1008 in Delhi. Children belonging to the urban area [OR: 1.04; CI: 1.035, 1.037] and richer wealth quintile [OR: 1.14; CI: 1.134–1.137] had higher odds of getting immunization. Moreover, expenditure on immunization was high among children from the urban area [Rs. 273], rich wealth quintile [Rs. 297] and who got immunized in a private facility [Rs. 1656].ConclusionsThere exists regional inequality in immunization coverage as well as in expenditure incurred on immunization. Based on the findings, we suggest looking for the supply through follow-up and demand through spreading awareness through mass media for immunization.

Inequalities in immunization coverage in Indonesia: a multilevel analysis.

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective methods for reducing mortality and morbidity rates in children. Children being fully vaccinated helps prevent diseases that would have great societal costs otherwise. Incomplete vaccination poses public health risks and challenges. This study examines the issue of incomplete vaccination in Indonesia. The objectives were to quantify the association between child level, parent level and community level determinants and child immunization coverage in Indonesia. Data were from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic Health Survey; this study included 4753 children aged 12-24 months. The survey implemented multistage random sampling. The data were examined using descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression analysis. The survey found that in Indonesia, country-wide, 58.22% of children were fully vaccinated. A multilevel logistic regression model after adjusting for household wealth and proportion of public healthcare centers (PHCs) showed that children of first birth order had significantly lower likelihood of being fully immunized than children of second order and higher. The parent level factors, such as age of mother at delivery, mother's education, father's occupation, antenatal care (ANC) and region, significantly influenced the completeness of child immunization. At the community level, the presence of a PHC significantly improved immunization coverage. The findings indicate that there is a wide range of inequality in immunization throughout the region due to socioeconomic and demographic factors. Findings revealed that complete immunization status was significantly associated with birth order, age of mother at delivery, mother's education, father's occupation, ANC, region, and proportion of PHCs. This study emphasizes the need to increase healthcare centers in each community with the objective to reduce disparities in maternal and child health services.

Understanding inequalities in child immunization in India: a decomposition approach.

The importance of childhood immunization for healthy child growth and development is well recognized and is considered to be the best and most cost-effective lifesaver. Low socioeconomic status has been shown to be associated with low child immunization and health care utilization, but the inequalities in immunization coverage due to social and economic factors are poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the association between child immunization coverage and various socioeconomic factors and to quantify their contributions to generating inequalities in immunization coverage in India. The study data are from the National Family Health Survey-4 conducted in 2015-16. The association between socioeconomic determinants and child full immunization coverage was estimated using the χ2 test and binary logistic regression. Concentration indices were estimated to measure the magnitude of inequality, and these were further decomposed to explain the contribution of different socioeconomic factors to the total disparity in full immunization coverage. The results showed that the uptake of immunization in 2015-16 was highly associated with mother's educational status and household wealth. The concentration index decomposition revealed that inequality (immunization disadvantage) was highest among poorer economic groups and among children whose mothers were illiterate. The overall concentration index value indicates that the weaker socioeconomic groups in India are more disadvantaged in terms of immunization interventions. The results offer insight into the dynamics of the variation in immunization coverage in India and help identify vulnerable populations that should be targeted to decrease socioeconomic inequalities in the country.

Reporting immunization coverage inequalities in Pakistan.

Immunization coverage in Pakistan is unequally distributed. Understanding the current status of reporting of immunization coverage inequalities in Pakistan can help to identify gaps and opportunities for strengthened monitoring and reporting. To assess the published literature on immunization coverage inequality measurement and reporting in Pakistan. We performed a literature search in PubMed in April 2019 to obtain articles reporting inequalities in immunization coverage in Pakistan. A data extraction rubric was applied to collate information about data sources, immunization indicators and dimensions of inequality. We included 42 studies in our analysis. Most studies reported data from household surveys or research studies. Dimensions of inequality reflected geography (primarily provinces/territories), economic status, place of residence, education level, sex and occupation. District-level comparisons were featured in 5 studies that were subnational in scope. Expanded monitoring at district level is warranted as a major way forward in characterizing immunization inequalities in Pakistan.

New immunization strategies: adapting to global challenges.

Immunization has made an enormous contribution to global health. Global vaccination coverage has dramatically improved and mortality rates among children due to vaccine-preventable diseases have been significantly reduced since the creation of the Expanded Programme of Immunization in 1974, the formation of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in 2000, and the development of the Global Vaccine Action Plan in 2012. However, challenges remain and persisting inequities in vaccine uptake contribute to the continued occurrence and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. Inequalities in immunization coverage by geography, urban-rural, and socio-economic status jeopardize the achievement of global immunization goals and call for renewed immunization strategies. These should take into account emerging opportunities for building better immunization systems and services, as well as the development of new vaccine products and delivery technologies. Such strategies need to achieve equity in vaccination coverage across and within countries. This will require the participation of communities, a better understanding of vaccine acceptance and hesitancy, the expansion of vaccination across the life course, approaches to improve immunization in middle-income countries, enhanced use of data and possible financial and non-financial incentives. Vaccines also have an important role to play in comprehensive disease control, including the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Lessons learned from disease eradication and elimination efforts of polio, measles and maternal and neonatal tetanus are instrumental in further enhancing global immunization strategies in line with the revised goals and targets of the new Immunization Agenda 2030, which is currently being developed.

Trends of inequalities in childhood immunization coverage among children aged 12-23 months in Kenya, Ghana, and C\xf4te d\u2019Ivoire

BackgroundImmunization is one of the most cost-effective health intervention to halt the spread of childhood diseases, and improve child health. Yet, there is a substantial disparity in childhood immunization coverage. The overall objective of the study is to investigate the trends of within-country inequalities in childhood immunization coverage among children aged 12–23 months in Kenya, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire. The three countries included in this study are countries that are on the verge of entering the accelerated phase of the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s co-sharing of costs of vaccine and eventually assuming full costs of vaccines. Côte d’Ivoire is in the Gavi preparatory transition phase, entering the accelerated transition phase in 2020, with an expected transition to full self-financing in 2025. Ghana is expected to enter the accelerated transition phase in 2021 and to full self-financing in 2026 while Kenya will enter in 2022 and fully self-finance in 2027.We examine the pattern of inequality in childhood immunization coverage over time through an equity lens by mainly exploring the direction of inequality in coverage.MethodsWe use data from the Demographic Health Surveys and Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys. The rate difference, rate ratio, and relative concentration index are used as measures of inequality.ResultsResults of the study suggest that in most years inequality in immunization coverage in the three countries persist over time, and it favors the most-advantaged households. However, there is a sharp decrease pattern in inequalities in childhood immunization coverage in Ghana over time.ConclusionPolicymakers could be more strategic in addressing pro-rich inequality in immunization coverage by designing health interventions through an equity lens. Using inequality data and putting disadvantaged households at the center of health intervention designs could increase the efficiency of the primary health care system and reduce the incidence of mortality and morbidity as a result of vaccine-preventable disease.

Addressing the persistent inequities in immunization coverage.

A key focus of the health-related sustainable development goal (SDG) 3 is universal health coverage (UHC), including access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines. However, the challenges to achieving UHC are substantial, especially with increased demands on the health sector and with most budgets being static or shrinking. Immunization programmes have been successful in reaching children worldwide. For example, 86% of the world’s infants had received three doses of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP3) vaccine in 2018. The experiences from such programmes can contribute to UHC, and as these programmes strive to adapt to new global strategic frameworks, such as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance’s strategy Gavi and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Immunization Agenda 2030, these efforts can inform the progressive realization of UHC. Immunization programmes that can sustain regular levels of contact between health providers and beneficiaries at the community level have enabled new vaccines to be added to routine immunization schedules and other interventions to be delivered to children and their families. In addition, experiences from both polio campaigns and the child health days strategy show that incorporating additional interventions into campaigns can increase coverage of these interventions as well as of vaccinations.

Differential achievements in childhood immunization across geographical regions of Pakistan: analysis of wealth-related inequality

BackgroundChildhood immunization is one of the most cost-effective interventions for child health. Still, many children are not able to receive completed immunization status. Wealth – related inequality in immunization is considered a major reason for equitable coverage of immunization in Pakistan. Therefore, we examine wealth-related inequality in completed childhood immunization and to assess achievement indices across geographical regions in Pakistan.MethodsThe analysis was based on a nationally representative demographic and health survey (DHS) of Pakistan, conducted in 2012–13. We examined completed childhood (12–23 months) immunization in the various regions of the country and we used concentration, extended concentration and achievement indices to demonstrate inequality across geographical regions in Pakistan.ResultsInequality in completed childhood immunization was seen in Pakistan with concentration index (CI) of 0.181 (95% CI: 0.164–0.209). Regions with high average of complete immunization showed lower inequality except for Sindh. Despite having better average immunization coverage in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa, the relative change of 128% in concentration index (CI) from C2 (standard CI) to C5 (when poorer quantile received highest weights) shows this to be also the most inequitable regions. Four parameters of inequality aversion (v = 2, 3, 4 & 5) demonstrated that ‘dis – achievement’ in completed immunization is densely concentrated among the poorer regions. Balochistan, Sindh and Gilgit Baltistan exhibited broader inequality gaps (93.75%, 83.35%, and 54.93%, respectively) at higher aversion parameter.ConclusionsAs hypothesized, achievement index uncovers ‘penalized’ immunization coverage amongst the poorest population. Thus any policy that stringently focuses on improving average immunization rate without any strategy to deal with inequality will only improve immunization rate within wealthier groups. Based on these results, it is advisable to public health policy makers to use both aspect of information: average and degree of inequality in immunization coverage.

WEALTH-BASED INEQUALITY IN CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN INDIA: A DECOMPOSITION APPROACH.

Despite years of health and medical advancement, children still suffer from infectious diseases that are vaccine preventable. India reacted in 1978 by launching the Expanded Programme on Immunization in an attempt to reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Although the nation has made remarkable progress over the years, there is significant variation in immunization coverage across different socioeconomic strata. This study attempted to identify the determinants of wealth-based inequality in child immunization using a new, modified method. The present study was based on 11,001 eligible ever-married women aged 15-49 and their children aged 12-23 months. Data were from the third District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3) of India, 2007-08. Using an approximation of Erreyger's decomposition technique, the study identified unequal access to antenatal care as the main factor associated with inequality in immunization coverage in India.

Explaining socio-economic inequalities in immunization coverage in Nigeria.

Globally, in 2013 over 6 million children younger than 5 years died from either an infectious cause or during the neonatal period. A large proportion of these deaths occurred in developing countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Immunization is one way to reduce childhood morbidity and deaths. In Nigeria, however, although immunization is provided without a charge at public facilities, coverage remains low and deaths from vaccine preventable diseases are high. This article seeks to assess inequalities in full and partial immunization coverage in Nigeria. It also assesses inequality in the 'intensity' of immunization coverage and it explains the factors that account for disparities in child immunization coverage in the country. Using nationally representative data, this article shows that disparities exist in the coverage of immunization to the advantage of the rich. Also, factors such as mother's literacy, region and location of the child, and socio-economic status explain the disparities in immunization coverage in Nigeria. Apart from addressing these issues, the article notes the importance of addressing other social determinants of health to reduce the disparities in immunization coverage in the country. These should be in line with the social values of communities so as to ensure acceptability and compliance. We argue that any policy that addresses these issues will likely reduce disparities in immunization coverage and put Nigeria on the road to sustainable development.

Immunization Equity.

Health inequities are the unjust differences in health among different social groups. Unfortunately, inequities are the norm, both in terms of health status and access to, and use of, health services. Childhood immunizations reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and represent a cost-effective way to foster health equity. This paper reflects a 2015 review of data from surveys conducted in developing countries from 2005 to 2011 that show significant inequities in immunization coverage and discusses several initiatives currently underway (including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance) that are directed at increasing childhood immunizations or reducing or abolishing overall health inequities. These initiatives have already had a significant impact on disease burden and childhood mortality and give rise to optimism that health disparities may further be reduced and health equity achieved as a result of investments made in immunization.

Immunization equity

Health inequities are the unjust differences in health among different social groups. Unfortunately, inequities are the norm, both in terms of health status and access to, and use of, health services. Childhood immunizations reduce the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases and represent a cost-effective way to foster health equity. This paper reflects a 2015 review of data from surveys conducted in developing countries from 2005 to 2011 that show significant inequities in immunization coverage and discusses several initiatives currently underway (including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance) that are directed at increasing childhood immunizations or reducing or abolishing overall health inequities. These initiatives have already had a significant impact on disease burden and childhood mortality and give rise to optimism that health disparities may further be reduced and health equity achieved as a result of investments made in immunization.

Socio-economic inequality of immunization coverage in India

To our knowledge, the present study provides a first time assessment of the contributions of socioeconomic determinants of immunization coverage in India using the recent National Family Health Survey data. Measurement of socioeconomic inequalities in health and health care, and understanding the determinants of such inequalities in terms of their contributions, are critical for health intervention strategies and for achieving equity in health care. A decomposition approach is applied to quantify the contributions from socio-demographic factors to inequality in immunization coverage. The results reveal that poor household economic status, mother's illiteracy, per capita state domestic product and proportion of illiterate at the state level is systematically related to 97% of predictable socioeconomic inequalities in full immunization coverage at the national level. These patterns of evidence suggest the need for immunization strategies targeted at different states and towards certain socioeconomic determinants as pointed out above in order to reduce socioeconomic inequalities in immunization coverage.JEL Classification: I10, I12

Gender inequity and age-appropriate immunization coverage in India from 1992 to 2006.

BackgroundA variety of studies have considered the affects of India's son preference on gender differences in child mortality, sex ratio at birth, and access to health services. Less research has focused on the affects of son preference on gender inequities in immunization coverage and how this may have varied with time, and across regions and with sibling compositions. We present a systematic examination of trends in immunization coverage in India, with a focus on inequities in coverage by gender, birth order, year of birth, and state.MethodsWe analyzed data from three consecutive rounds of the Indian National Family Health Survey undertaken between 1992 and 2006. All children below five years of age with complete immunization histories were included in the analysis. Age-appropriate immunization coverage was determined for the following antigens: bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), oral polio (OPV), diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) and tetanus (DPT), and measles.Results Immunization coverage in India has increased since the early 1990s, but complete, age-appropriate coverage is still under 50% nationally. Girls were found to have significantly lower immunization coverage (p<0.001) than boys for BCG, DPT, and measles across all three surveys. By contrast, improved coverage of OPV suggests a narrowing of the gender differences in recent years. Girls with a surviving older sister were less likely to be immunized compared to boys, and a large proportion of all children were found to be immunized considerably later than recommended.ConclusionsGender inequities in immunization coverage are prevalent in India. The low immunization coverage, the late immunization trends and the gender differences in coverage identified in our study suggest that risks of child mortality, especially for girls at higher birth orders, need to be addressed both socially and programmatically. in HindiSee the full article online for a translation of this abstract in Hindi.

Inequalities in Infant Immunization Coverage in Bangladesh

Background Although, health status of Bangladeshis has improved, levels of child mortality in Bangladesh remain unacceptably high. This paper reviews household wealth inequalities in immunization coverage in Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to examine how household wealth status and socio-demographic characteristics relate to immunization status of children. Methods Using data from the 2004 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS), this paper investigated the inequalities and implications of infant immunization coverage in Bangladesh. To prepare the proxy variable of household wealth status we applied principal component analysis (PCA) technique based on variables such as assets, utilities and services available at household level. And then scores of the proxy variable was transferred into quintiles. Results The difference in immunization status between the richest and the poorest quintiles was significant (crude OR 5.2, p &lt; 0.001). The addition of education to the multivariate model lowered the impact of wealth index by almost half. Increasing education levels were positively associated with achieving full vaccination status. Sex of children and age of mothers were not associated with the child's immunization status. Conclusions Despite free immunizations, use is not uniform throughout the population. Access to wealth and education may contribute to disparities in achieving full immunization. Minimizing indirect costs of immunizations may reduce disparities. Health education needs to be intensified for parents with minimal education.

The impact of the national polio immunization campaign on levels and equity in immunization coverage: evidence from rural North India

Few studies have investigated the impact of immunization campaigns conducted under the global polio eradication program on sustainability of polio vaccination coverage, on coverage of non-polio vaccines (administered under Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)), and on changes in social inequities in immunization coverage. This study proposes to fill the gaps in the evidence by investigating the impact of a polio immunization campaign launched in India in 1995. The study uses a before-and-after study design using representative samples from rural areas of four North Indian states. The National Family Health Survey I (NFHS I) and NFHS II, conducted in 1992–93 and 1998–99 respectively, were used as pre- and post-intervention data. Using pooled data from both the surveys, multivariate logistic regression models with interaction terms were used to investigate the changes in social inequities. During the study period, a greater increase was observed in the coverage of first dose of polio compared to three doses of polio. Moderate improvements in at least one dose of non-polio EPI vaccinations, and no improvements in complete immunization against non-polio EPI diseases were observed. The polio campaign was successful, to some extent, in reducing gender-, caste- and wealth-based inequities, but had no impact on religion- or residence-based inequities. Social inequities in non-polio EPI vaccinations did not reduce during the study period. Significant dropouts between first and third dose of polio raise concerns of sustainability of immunization coverage under a campaign approach. Similarly, little evidence to support synergy between polio campaign and non-polio EPI vaccinations raises questions about the effects of polio campaign on routine health system's functions. However, moderate success of the polio campaign in reducing social inequities in polio coverage may offer valuable insights into the routine health systems for addressing persistent social inequities in access to health care.