Share of full immunization coverage across regions India 2016 by gender

In 2016, the highest share of full immunization in India among males and females was reported in the East with 71.32 and 70.08 percent respectively. By contrast, the lowest shares of full immunization coverage were reported in North East India with approximately 51 percent among males and over 50 percent among females.

Immunization programs

In 2015, the United Nations framed the sustainable development goals, urging India as developing country to focus on vaccine-preventable diseases by providing access to universal healthcare including administration of safe vaccines to all by 2030. In response to this, the government of India launched the Intensified Mission Indradhanush in 2017 to accelerate vaccination coverage in the country. The program specifically targets infants, children, and pregnant women who are susceptible to contracting diseases.

Education

Apart from the lack of access to a nearby health care facility and the dearth in the availability of trained medical professionals, Illiteracy and lack of primary education, especially among women, are few of the other main causes of low shares of vaccination coverage in the country. There exists a positive correlation between the level of education of the mother and the number of registered births, in the country. In addition, not only does the mother’s education level constructively impact the health and wellbeing of the family in terms of hygiene and sanitation, but more, her assertion power toward exposure to a healthcare facility for periodical health check-ups, along with a scheduled vaccination program for her children is greatly enhanced.