Non-specific and sex-differential effects of vaccinations on child survival in rural western India

► WHO recommends BCG at birth and DTP at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. ► In this study from rural India two-third had received BCG and DTP out-of-sequence. ► Children who received BCG and DTP out-of-sequence had significantly lower mortality. ► Differential female-male mortality ratios may be related to vaccination policy.