Why does gender matter for immunization?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gender Studies
• Health Equity

Background:

• Gender roles, norms, and relations significantly influence health outcomes and resource allocation in immunization programs.
• Gender impacts immunization on both the demand (health-seeking behaviors) and supply (service provision) sides.
• Addressing gender is essential for increasing immunization coverage and reaching underserved populations, including zero-dose children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the multifaceted influence of gender on immunization programs.
• To emphasize the need for gender-responsive strategies to overcome barriers to vaccination.
• To align with the Immunization Agenda 2030's commitment to gender equality in immunization.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of how gender intersects with socio-economic, geographic, and cultural factors to affect vaccine access and delivery.
• Examination of gender-related barriers at individual, household, community, institutional, and policy levels.
• Review of the Immunization Agenda 2030's strategic priorities concerning gender.

Main Results:

• Gender inequality creates barriers to vaccination for individuals of all genders, particularly affecting women and girls.
• Understanding these gender-related barriers is key to designing effective interventions.
• Gender-responsive strategies are vital for improving immunization coverage and achieving equity.

Conclusions:

• Integrating gender considerations into immunization programs is essential for increasing vaccine uptake.
• Addressing power relations and inequalities is fundamental to ensuring equitable access to vaccines.
• Gender-responsive interventions can lead to more effective immunization programs and improved health outcomes for all.