Inequitable childhood immunization uptake in India: Analysis of three rounds of National Family Health Survey

Immunization leads to improvement in child health in states throughout the country. Immunization (Expanded program on Immunization in 1974) is preventing millions of death every year in addition to reducing the risk of disability caused by infectious diseases. However the wider benefits of immunization are not reaching to all children of country in an equitable manner. It is reflecting the inherent inequality in access of basic health services which is provided free of cost by government. The study focuses on immunization coverage across India from three rounds of National Family Health Survey (1992-93 to 2005-06). It shows the level, trends and differentials in childhood immunization and dropouts with respect to multiple dose vaccine at national level. Three-quarters of children have received all the recommended vaccinations in Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Kerala. Immunization coverage has improved substantially since NFHS-1, when only 36 percent of children were fully vaccinated and 30 percent had not been vaccinated at all. There is very little change, however, in full immunization coverage between NFHS-2 (42 percent) and NFHS-3 (44 percent). Religion and zone of states also have some effects. Emphasis on these demand enhancing factors is necessary to make the immunisation programme.