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Background Vaccination is proved to be one of the most effective and efficient way to prevent illness and reduce health inequality. Studies about association between vaccination inequalities in the childhood and awareness of basic public health services program among internal migrants in China are lacking. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between migrants’ vaccination status between 0 and 6 years old and their awareness of the National Basic Public Health Services (BPHSs) project in China. Methods We included 10,013 respondents aged 15 years old or above of eight provinces from 2017 Migrant Population Dynamic Monitoring Survey in China, a nationwide cross-sectional study. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess vaccination inequalities and the awareness of public health information. Results Only 64.8% migrants were vaccinated in their childhood, which is far below the goal of national requirement of 100% vaccination. This also indicated the vaccination inequalities among migrants. Female, the middle-aged, married or having a relationship, the highly educated and the healthy population had higher awareness of this project than others. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regressions showed greatly significant association between vaccination status and some vaccines. Specifically, after adding convariates, the results showed that there were significant associations between the vaccination rates of eight recommended vaccines in the childhood and their awareness of BPHSs project (all p values < 0.001), including HepB vaccine (OR: 1.28; 95%CI: 1.19, 1.37), HepA vaccine (OR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.15, 1.41), FIn vaccine (OR: 1.28; 95%CI: 1.16, 1.45), JE vaccine (OR: 1.14; 95%CI: 1.04, 1.27), TIG vaccine (OR: 1.27; 95%CI: 1.05, 1.47), DTaP vaccine (OR: 1.30; 95%CI: 1.11–1.53), MPSV vaccine (OR: 1.26; 95%CI: 1.07–1.49), HF vaccine (OR: 1.32; 95%CI: 1.11, 1.53), except for RaB vaccine (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 0.89, 1.53). Conclusions The vaccination inequalities exist among migrants. There is a strong relationship between the vaccination status in the childhood and the awareness rate of BPHSs project among migrants. From our findings we could know that the promotion of vaccination rates of the disadvantaged population such as the internal migrants or other minority population can help them increase the awareness of free public health services, which was proved to be beneficial for health equity and effectiveness and could promote public health in the future.

Evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on socioeconomic COVID-19-related inequalities is scarce. We analyzed associations between socioeconomic deprivation index (SDI) and COVID-19 vaccination, infection, and hospitalization before and after vaccine rollout in Catalonia, Spain. We conducted a population-based cohort study during September 2020-June 2021 that comprised 2,297,146 adults >40 years of age. We estimated odds ratio of nonvaccination and hazard ratios (HRs) of infection and hospitalization by SDI quintile relative to the least deprived quintile, Q1. Six months after rollout, vaccination coverage differed by SDI quintile in working-age (40-64 years) persons: 81% for Q1, 71% for Q5. Before rollout, we found a pattern of increased HR of infection and hospitalization with deprivation among working-age and retirement-age (>65 years) persons. After rollout, infection inequalities decreased in both age groups, whereas hospitalization inequalities decreased among retirement-age persons. Our findings suggest that mass vaccination reduced socioeconomic COVID-19-related inequalities.

Information on population health indicators in India come from a number of surveys that vary in periodicity, scope and detail. In the case of immunization, the most recent coverage indicators are derived from the first round of Annual Health Survey (AHS-1, 2010-11), but these were conducted only in 9 of 35 states and union territories. The most recent national surveys of immunization coverage were conducted in 2009 (Coverage Evaluation Survey) by UNICEF. Therefore, reliable immunization coverage data for the entire country since 2009 is lacking. We used an established approach of small area estimation to predict coverage rates of several vaccinations for the remaining 26 states (not covered by AHS-1) in 2011. In our method, we considered a linear mixed model that combines data from five cross sectional surveys representing five different time points. Our model encompasses sampling error of the survey estimates, area specific random effects, autocorrelated area by time random effects and hence, borrows strength across areas and time points both. Model-based estimates for 2011 are almost identical to the AHS-1 estimates for the nine states, suggesting that our model provides reliable prediction of vaccination coverage as AHS-1 estimates are highly precise because of their large sample size. Results indicate that coverage inequality between rural and urban areas has been reduced significantly for most states in India. The National Rural Health Mission has had both supply side and demand side effects on the immunization programme in rural India. In combination, these effects may have contributed to the reduction of vaccination coverage gaps between urban and rural areas.

Several routine immunization (RI) strengthening efforts have been implemented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the last decade. However, there has been no assessment of national or provincial-level trends in inequalities in RI coverage since the implementation of these programs. In this analysis, we aimed to describe trends in childhood vaccination coverage and inequalities from 2017 to 2023 at the national and provincial levels and to compare these trends among groups of provinces where two initiatives have been in place: the Mashako plan and a provincial level public-private partnership using a memorandum of understanding (MOU) approach. We used population-based surveys including the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) – Palu 2017–2018 survey and four annual vaccination coverage surveys conducted from 2020 through 2023. We described vaccination coverage (three doses of pentavalent vaccine (Penta3) and at least one dose of a measles containing vaccine (MCV1)) and assessed relative and absolute inequalities in vaccination coverage by maternal education and household wealth at each time point. Analyses were conducted at the national level and within two groups of provinces: those initially included in the Mashako plan in 2018 and those initially included in the MOU approach. Inequality estimates were pooled across province groups using a random effects DerSimonian and Laird estimator for meta-analysis. From 2017 to 2023, national Penta3 coverage increased by 9.9 percentage points (47.7 % to 57.6 %) while MCV1 declined by 6.7 percentage points (58.9 % to 52.2 %). As of 2023, substantial wealth and education-related inequalities in childhood vaccination coverage remained: at the national level, children from wealthier households were 2.23 times more likely to receive Penta3 compared to children from poorest households (95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 2.16–2.31). Between 2017 and 2023, absolute and relative wealth-related inequalities appear to have declined, but differences were not statistically significant. Education-related inequalities have improved less than wealth-related inequalities. Though differences were often not statistically significant, reductions in inequalities were generally larger in provinces initially included in the Mashako plan and the MOU approach than in provinces not initially included in either initiative. Initial improvements in coverage and inequality between 2017 and 2020–2021 have largely stagnated at the national and sub-national levels in 2022 and 2023. Efforts remain needed to reach RI coverage and equity targets in the DRC. Routine monitoring of inequalities in RI coverage should be performed regularly to track progress. A more explicit equity focus in RI strengthening initiatives in the DRC may be necessary to accelerate progress in reducing existing inequalities.

Background Influenza can cause serious complications in individuals with chronic diseases. Although vaccination is strongly recommended for the high-risk population, uptake remains suboptimal. This retrospective cohort study assessed the relationship between demographic, clinical, and socio-economic (SE) factors and influenza vaccination uptake among high-risk patients in the Apulia region over four influenza seasons (2019–2023). Methods Data on comorbidities, vaccination history, and demographics were extracted from the User Fee Exemption Registry, the Immunization Information System, and the Total Population Register, respectively. Each geocoded case was linked to the Italian National Deprivation Index to determine SE status at the census tract level. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and multilevel mixed general linear models were used to analyze factors associated with vaccination uptake. Results Vaccination coverage among people with longstanding illnesses was 35.5% in 2019–2020, peaked at 44.7% in 2020–2021, and declined thereafter (42.9% in 2021 − 2022; 40.1% in 2022 − 2023). Higher uptake was associated with female sex, older age, and a greater number of comorbidities. SE deprivation was inversely associated with vaccination uptake. Individuals with chronic renal/adrenal insufficiency, cardiovascular, or neoplastic diseases had the highest uptake. The data also suggest a potential link between marital status and the likelihood of vaccination. Conclusions Demographic, SE, and clinical factors may play a significant role in influenza vaccination uptake. Public health strategies should consider these determinants to improve coverage and reduce health inequalities.

Background In recent years, the uptake of childhood vaccinations before the age of five has declined globally. In England, the decline in measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccination coverage is concerning and has subsequently been followed by an increase in measles outbreaks. This study analysed the sustained and additional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on area-level inequalities in childhood vaccination uptake across regions in England. Methods Spline regressions with three-way interaction terms were used to assess the impact of COVID-19, from the first lockdown, on local authorities across regions and deprivation quartiles. Cover of Vaccination Evaluated Rapidly data was used for the uptake statistics, and the Indices of Multiple Deprivation 2019 for the deprivation quartiles. The lowest coverage vaccines were analysed: the pre-school booster (one dose) and MMR (two doses, cumulative) from July – September 2014 to October – December 2022. Results The findings suggest the odds of childhood vaccination uptake were declining in England prior to the first lockdown, but there was an additional decrease associated with this event by 12% (OR:0.88, CI:0.79–0.99, p  < .05) for the pre-school booster and 13% (OR:0.87, CI:0.77–0.99, p  < .05) for the MMR vaccine. For local authorities classified as the most deprived 25% (Quartile 1), there was a 15% (OR: 0.85, CI: (0.72–0.99, p  < .05) post-lockdown-associated decline in the odds of MMR uptake, but not the pre-school booster. Post-lockdown and region interaction effects for the pre-school booster were as follows: Yorkshire and the Humber, 39% decreased odds (OR:0.61, CI:0.54–0.68, p  < .001); East Midlands, 22% decreased odds (OR:0.77 OR, CI:0.62–0.95, p  < .05); and West Midlands, 19% increased odds (OR:1.19, CI:1.00-1.40, p  < .05). For the MMR vaccine, these were: Yorkshire and the Humber, 41% decreased odds (OR:0.59, CI:0.52–0.67, p  < .001); North West, 30% increased odds (OR:1.3, CI:1.04–1.64, p  < .05); West Midlands, 21% increased odds (OR:1.21, CI:1-1.46, p  < .05); and South East, 19% decreased odds (OR:0.67, CI:0.98, p  < .05). Evidence of three-way post-lockdown interaction effects for deprivation quartile and region was also identified for both vaccines. Conclusions The results highlight the need for national vaccination uptake analyses to consider regional variation, as similarly deprived local authorities do not necessarily exhibit the same COVID-19-associated effects.

Routine childhood vaccination is among the most cost-effective, successful public health interventions available. Amid substantial investments to expand vaccine delivery throughout Africa and strengthen administrative reporting systems, most countries still require robust measures of local routine vaccine coverage and changes in geographical inequalities over time. This analysis drew from 183 surveys done between 2000 and 2016, including data from 881 268 children in 49 African countries. We used a Bayesian geostatistical model calibrated to results from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017, to produce annual estimates with high-spatial resolution (5 ×    5 km) of diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine coverage and dropout for children aged 12–23 months in 52 African countries from 2000 to 2016. Estimated third-dose (DPT3) coverage increased in 72·3% (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 64·6–80·3) of second-level administrative units in Africa from 2000 to 2016, but substantial geographical inequalities in DPT coverage remained across and within African countries. In 2016, DPT3 coverage at the second administrative (ie, district) level varied by more than 25% in 29 of 52 countries, with only two (Morocco and Rwanda) of 52 countries meeting the Global Vaccine Action Plan target of 80% DPT3 coverage or higher in all second-level administrative units with high confidence (posterior probability ≥95%). Large areas of low DPT3 coverage (≤50%) were identified in the Sahel, Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, and in Angola. Low first-dose (DPT1) coverage (≤50%) and high relative dropout (≥30%) together drove low DPT3 coverage across the Sahel, Somalia, eastern Ethiopia, Guinea, and Angola. Despite substantial progress in Africa, marked national and subnational inequalities in DPT coverage persist throughout the continent. These results can help identify areas of low coverage and vaccine delivery system vulnerabilities and can ultimately support more precise targeting of resources to improve vaccine coverage and health outcomes for African children. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

•The objective of this study was to examine inequalities in full vaccination, incomplete vaccination and zero-dose vaccination among 12 to 23 months children in 25 sub-Saharan African countries.•We found pro-rich inequality in full vaccination coverage in 23 countries, except for Gambia and Namibia, where we found pro-poor vaccination coverage. While zero-dose children were disproportionately concentrated among disadvantaged subgroups in most countries.•Four or more antenatal care contracts, childbirth at facility, improved maternal education, higher wealth status, and frequently listening to the radio increased vaccine uptake.•Continued efforts to improve access to vaccination services are required in sub-Saharan Africa. Vaccines have substantially contributed to reducing morbidity and mortality among children, but inequality in coverage continues to persist. In this study, we aimed to examine inequalities in child vaccination coverage in sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed Demographic and Health Survey data in 25 sub-Saharan African countries. We defined full vaccination coverage as a child who received one dose of bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG), three doses of diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus vaccine (DTP 3), three oral polio vaccine doses (OPV 3), and one dose of measles vaccine. We used the concentration index (CCI) to measure wealth-related inequality in full vaccination, incomplete vaccination, and zero-dose children within and between countries. We fitted a multilevel regression model to identify predictors of inequality in receipts of full vaccination. Overall, 56.5% (95% CI: 55.7% to 57.3%) of children received full vaccination, 35.1% (34.4% to 35.7%) had incomplete vaccination, while 8.4% (95% CI: 8.0% to 8.8%) of children remained unvaccinated. Full vaccination coverage across the 25 sub-Saharan African countries ranged from 24% in Guinea to 93% in Rwanda. We found pro-rich inequality in full vaccination coverage in 23 countries, except for Gambia and Namibia, where we found pro-poor vaccination coverage. Countries with lower vaccination coverage had higher inequalities suggesting pro-rich coverage, while inequality in unvaccinated children was disproportionately concentrated among disadvantaged subgroups. Four or more antenatal care contracts, childbirth at health facility, improved maternal education, higher household wealth, and frequently listening to the radio increased vaccine uptake. Continued efforts to improve access to vaccination services are required in sub-Saharan Africa. Improving vaccination coverage and reducing inequalities requires enhancing access to quality services that are accessible, affordable, and acceptable to all. Vaccination programs should target critical social determinants of health and address barriers to better maternal health-seeking behaviour.

•COVID-19 vaccination coverage was modelled using vaccination data from the Kenya Ministry of Health.•The average travel time to a designated COVID-19 vaccination site was a key predictor of COVID-19 vaccination coverage.•Bayesian modelling suggests inequalities in population vaccination coverage for COVID-19 at the sub-national level in Kenya.•Vaccination coverage mapping can be a useful tool for targeting interventions. COVID-19 has impacted the health and livelihoods of billions of people since it emerged in 2019. Vaccination for COVID-19 is a critical intervention that is being rolled out globally to end the pandemic. Understanding the spatial inequalities in vaccination coverage and access to vaccination centres is important for planning this intervention nationally. Here, COVID-19 vaccination data, representing the number of people given at least one dose of vaccine, a list of the approved vaccination sites, population data and ancillary GIS data were used to assess vaccination coverage, using Kenya as an example. Firstly, physical access was modelled using travel time to estimate the proportion of population within 1 hour of a vaccination site. Secondly, a Bayesian conditional autoregressive (CAR) model was used to estimate the COVID-19 vaccination coverage and the same framework used to forecast coverage rates for the first quarter of 2022. Nationally, the average travel time to a designated COVID-19 vaccination site (n = 622) was 75.5 min (Range: 62.9 – 94.5 min) and over 87% of the population >18 years reside within 1 hour to a vaccination site. The COVID-19 vaccination coverage in December 2021 was 16.70% (95% CI: 16.66 – 16.74) – 4.4 million people and was forecasted to be 30.75% (95% CI: 25.04 – 36.96) – 8.1 million people by the end of March 2022. Approximately 21 million adults were still unvaccinated in December 2021 and, in the absence of accelerated vaccine uptake, over 17.2 million adults may not be vaccinated by end March 2022 nationally. Our results highlight geographic inequalities at sub-national level and are important in targeting and improving vaccination coverage in hard-to-reach populations. Similar mapping efforts could help other countries identify and increase vaccination coverage for such populations.

Childhood vaccine uptake in the United Kingdom (UK) is sub-optimal leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases. We aimed to explore UK parents' perspectives on why some children are unvaccinated or vaccinated late. We undertook a mixed-methods, co-production study involving a survey using a questionnaire followed by focus groups. We partnered with The Mosaic Community Trust (Mosaic) who are based in a more deprived, ethnically diverse, low vaccine uptake area of London. Targeted recruitment to complete the questionnaire (either on paper or online) was done through Mosaic, community networks and social media promotion. We collected demographic data alongside parents' views on routine childhood vaccination, their vaccine decisions, and experiences of accessing childhood vaccine appointments We report descriptive findings from the questionnaire and thematic analysis of free-text questionnaire answers and focus groups guided by the COM-B model of Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation. Between June–October 2022, 518 parents were surveyed of whom 25% (n = 130), were from ethnic minorities (13%, n = 68-unknown ethnicity). In 2023 we held four focus groups with 22 parents (10 from ethnic minorities). Only 15% (n = 78) parents had delayed or refused a vaccine for their child. A quarter of parents felt they had not been given enough information nor an opportunity to ask questions before their children's vaccinations. Inconsistent reminders and difficulties booking or attending appointments impacted vaccine uptake with negative experiences influencing future vaccine decisions. Parents had mixed views on vaccinations being given in different locations and wanted trusted health professionals to vaccinate their children. To reverse declining vaccine uptake and prevent future outbreaks it needs to be easier for UK parents to speak to health professionals to answer their childhood vaccine questions, alongside simplified booking systems and easier access to routine childhood vaccine appointments. •We explored parents' childhood vaccine attitudes & experiences in low vaccine uptake London area.•We explored ethnic minority parents' views -whose children are less likely to be vaccinated.•Parents want to speak to trusted, known health professionals about their children's vaccines.•Access barriers influence whether children are vaccinated or vaccinated late in the UK.