Is the female child being neglected? Immunization in India

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Abstract
A number of studies have drawn attention to the problem of discrimination against the female child, and a few studies have shown that immunization coverage of female children is lower than males. In the present study 1000 children coming to the immunization clinic of the general hospital in Udaipur for their first vaccinations were analysed, with reference to age at first immunization, nutritional status, socio-economic status of their parents and maternal literacy. It was observed that the female child is brought to the hospital at a comparatively later age for her first vaccinations {6.1 months) as compared to male children (3.4 months). The nutritional status of the female child was also significantly poorer in comparison to males. Socio-economic status and maternal literacy play an important role in the decision to bring children for immunization at a correct age. Discrimination against the female child was observed in all classes, irrespective of socio-economic status or maternal literacy.

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