Maternal leave policies and vaccination coverage: A global analysis

Childhood vaccination is a proven and cost-effective way to reduce childhood mortality; however, participation in vaccination programs is not universal even where programs are free or low cost. Studies in diverse countries have reported work conflicts as limiting parents’ ability to vaccinate their children. Using policy data for 185 UN member countries, we explore the hypothesis that an increased opportunity for parents to bring children to vaccination sites will translate into higher childhood vaccination rates. To do so, we use OLS regression to examine the relationship between the duration of adequately paid maternal leave and the uptake of vaccines. We find that a higher number of full-time equivalent weeks of paid maternal leave is associated with higher childhood vaccination rates, even after controlling for GDP per capita, health care expenditures, and social factors. Further research is needed to assess whether this association is upheld in longitudinal and intervention studies, as well as whether other forms of leave such as paid leave to care for the health of family members is effective at increasing the ability of parents to bring children for needed preventive care.

► Examines the relationship between maternal leave policies and childhood vaccination outcomes around the world.
► Maternal leave is measured using full-time equivalent (FTE) weeks, which captures both time off and wage replacement.
► A 10% increase in FTE weeks is associated with a 16.3 and a 15.0 percent increase for BCG and DPT1 vaccinations.
► A 10% increase in FTE weeks is associated with 22.4, 25.3 and 22.2 percent increases in DPT3, measles and polio vaccinations.
► Vaccination rates may be lower where work obligations remove the opportunity for parents to access health services.