Birth order and infant health: Evidence from maternal immunisations in New Zealand
This research project examines the relationship between birth order and early childhood environment. Preliminary findings indicate that later-born children are more frequently exposed to infectious diseases and experience higher rates of hospitalisation for conditions such as whooping cough and influenza during their first months of life. At the same time, uptake of maternal immunisations declines with each subsequent pregnancy, meaning that the children who would benefit most from maternal protection are less likely to receive it.