International Journal for Equity in Health
Volume 16, Issue 1, 2017

Strengthening health system to improve immunization for migrants in China (Article) (Open Access)

Fang H. , Yang L. , Zhang H. , Li C. , Wen L. , Sun L. , Hanson K. , Meng Q.*
  • a China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • b Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • c China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • d China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China, Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • e Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • f Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
  • g London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
  • h China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China

Abstract

Background: Immunization is the most cost-effective method to prevent and control vaccine-preventable diseases. Migrant population in China has been rising rapidly, and their immunization status is poor. China has tried various strategies to strengthen its health system, which has significantly improved immunization for migrants. Methods: This study applied a qualitative retrospective review method aiming to collect, analyze and synthesize health system strengthening experiences and practices about improving immunizations for migrants in China. A conceptual framework of Theory of Change was used to extract the searched literatures. 11 searched literatures and 4 national laws and policies related to immunizations for migrant children were carefully studied. Results: China mainly employed 3 health system strengthening strategies to significantly improve immunization for migrant population: stop charging immunization fees or immunization insurance, manage immunization certificates well, and pay extra attentions on immunization for special children including migrant children. These health system strengthening strategies were very effective, and searched literatures show that up-to-date and age-appropriate immunization rates were significantly improved for migrant children. Conclusions: Economic development led to higher migrant population in China, but immunization for migrants, particularly migrant children, were poor. Fortunately various health system strengthening strategies were employed to improve immunization for migrants in China and they were rather successful. The experiences and lessons of immunization for migrant population in China might be helpful for other developing countries with a large number of migrant population. © 2017 The Author(s).

Author Keywords

China Immunization migrant EPI Vaccine

Index Keywords

China literature review immigrant certification health insurance human statistics and numerical data priority journal BCG vaccine qualitative research Humans migrant conceptual framework economic development Infant, Newborn preschool child poliomyelitis vaccine health geography tuberculosis Infant Child, Preschool newborn child health Article organization and management disease control Retrospective Studies measles vaccine experience health care migration pertussis diphtheria pertussis tetanus vaccine Health Policy Transients and Migrants Delivery of Health Care retrospective study poliomyelitis immunization diphtheria measles tetanus Child health care delivery vaccine
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021651070&doi=10.1186%2fs12939-016-0504-8&partnerID=40&md5=ca586431f540b2856b35b08f5ee305f4
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-016-0504-8
ISSN: 14759276
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English