Global Academic Journal of Medical Sciences
Volume-7 | Issue-02
Original Research Article
Trends and Gender Patterns of Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) Vaccination among Children in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Shanta Saha, Dr. Md. Alahi Khandaker, Dr. Avijt Sharma, Md. Rafiqul Islam
Published : March 26, 2025
Abstract
Background: The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) protects children from vaccine-preventable diseases, thus averting childhood death and disease. After Bangladesh implemented the Expanded Program on Immunization in 1979, they made advancements in vaccine delivery, yet urban centers, specifically Dhaka, face ongoing obstacles due to health service disparities based on social inequality. Strategies for disease prevention require a clear comprehension of how gender interacts with vaccination procedures. Objective: To identify trends and gender patterns of EPI vaccination among children in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and examine the distribution of vaccination services across different healthcare facilities. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 5,088 children aged 0-23 months (51% aged 0-11 months; 49% aged 12-23 months) who received EPI vaccines in Dhaka. Vaccination records for six vaccines (BCG, Pentavalent, PCV, OPV, IPV, and MR) were examined to identify monthly patterns by gender and service delivery distribution. Results: Analysis revealed varying gender patterns across different vaccines and doses. BCG vaccination showed slight male predominance (53.4% vs. 46.6%), with monthly fluctuations. Multi-dose vaccines displayed complex patterns: males generally had higher coverage for initial doses, but gender gaps narrowed for subsequent doses. Notably, MR vaccination showed female predominance in several months. Local government facilities provided the majority (65-80%) of vaccinations compared to public hospitals. Conclusion: Gender disparities in EPI vaccination exist but vary by vaccine type, dose, and month. Decentralized healthcare delivery systems require strengthened facilities because of their significant contribution to healthcare provision. Wider availability of gender-specific vaccination services and better community outreach strategies, alongside research about urban vaccination characteristics, should be implemented to battle immunization inequality in urban Bangladesh.