title: Immunization equity.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Center for Vaccine Equity, the Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States. Electronic address: ahinman@taskforce.org.
authors.forename: Alan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Hinman
authors.affiliation: Center for Vaccine Equity, the Task Force for Global Health, Decatur, GA, United States.
authors.forename: Mark A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: McKinlay
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014943:Global Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000069576:Health Equity; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000191:economics; D007223:Infant; D014944:World Health Organization