Economic Inequalities in Immunization Coverage Among One-Year-Olds and Coverage Gains from Closing the Inequality Gap in 10 Low- and Middle-Income Countries in the Western Pacific Region, 1994-2021.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immunization coverage has increased substantially in the Western Pacific Region, saving millions of lives and supporting disease elimination efforts. However, gaps in coverage and inequitable vaccine access persist, leaving millions unvaccinated. Wealth-based inequalities remain a critical barrier to achieving equitable immunization coverage and maximizing the health benefits of vaccination programs.

Methods

We analyzed full immunization coverage among 1-year-olds in 10 middle-income countries of the Western Pacific Region using data from the WHO Health Inequalities Data Repository. National and wealth quintile-specific coverage rates and within-country inequalities were assessed using absolute and relative measures (difference, ratio, slope index of inequality, a

SUBMITTER: Mendez-Lopez A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12567940 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature