Optional Vaccine Utilization Has A Male Gender Preference - A Record Based Analysis From A Tertiary Care Centre Of Eastern India

Background And ObjectivesOptional vaccines find an important place in immunization today. This study attempts to find out the trend of optional vaccine utilization, over the past three years in the immunization clinic of a tertiary care centre and to find out the association of gender disparity with the utilization of these vaccines. MethodsThe retrospective study was conducted during October to December 2016 using the register based secondary data of October 2013 to September 2016. Month wise utilization of optional vaccines (Pneumococcal, influenza, typhoid, varicella, hepatitis A and MMR) and measles was captured. Analysis was done using Stata 12.1 SE. ResultsAn increasing trend of utilization was seen for all vaccines including optional vaccines. The mean doses received by male children was significantly more for all optional vaccines (unlike all vaccines taken together) as well as for individual vaccines like Pneumococcal, influenza, typhoid, MMR, hepatitis A (p<0.05), but not for varicella and measles vaccine (p>0.05). ConclusionGender disparity (preference for male children) was present for all optional vaccines except varicella, and not in case of measles vaccine used in universal immunization program selected as control. Authors noteO_LSTWhat is already known on this subjectC_LSTO_LIDifferences in uptake are related to various factors in national immunization program of India. C_LIO_LIOptional vaccines are not a part of the national immunization program, C_LIO_LIThere is no clarity regarding pattern and trend of use and gender differences, if any for optional vaccines. C_LI O_LSTWhat this study addsC_LSTO_LITrend of optional vaccine uptake is on the rise reflecting increasing demand among parents. C_LIO_LIGender differences do not exist for vaccines covered under national immunization program, as seen for Measles vaccine, probably because of universalization. C_LIO_LIPreference for male children exists for most of the optional vaccines (even for MMR) probably because of the cost involved. C_LIO_LIGender disparity was absent in Varicella, probably because of fear of parents for scar marks on face of their girl child. C_LI