Inequalities in Immunization Coverage in India: Why Muslims are Lagging Behind

Immunization has revolutionized child health throughout the world and stands out as one of the greatest public health achievements of 20th century. But the scenario of child immunization in India, especially among Muslims, is far from satisfactory. The paper brings out differentials and inequality in immunization coverage among Muslim children as compared to other religions using nationally representative District Level Household and Facility Survey-3(2007-08) data. Methodologies adopted are concentration index, gender ratio, bivariate and multivariate analysis. Muslim children in India have substantially low immunization coverage as compared to children from other religions and are less likely to be fully immunized and more likely to be not immunized. Among Muslim children, poor and girls are at disadvantageous position. Dropout from immunization schedule is a major problem. Drop out in Polio doses is highest among Muslims due to misconceptions about side effects of vaccine. Special efforts like improving accessibility of services, follow up for drop outs, educating parents especially mothers about need for vaccinating child, and removing myths and misconceptions about immunization is required to improve immunization among Muslims. Government, community organizations, religious leaders and NGOs can play an important role.