The countries of the Region of the Americas have made progress in implementing electronic immunization registries (EIRs), which look at data development, implementation, and use. 

Bolivia, an example of this progress began implementing the EIR in 2018, originally to track routine vaccination, which was unfortunately hampered due to the pandemic. To successfully monitor COVID-19 vaccination, Bolivia had to overcome difficulties and achieve the implementation of the EIR at the national level. This provided a robust database of COVID-19 vaccination, allowing for a joint project with PAHO on the use of performance indicators and  Essential Programme on Immunization (EPI) results using EIR data. This project is featured in a PAHO proposal document for indicator analysis to encourage the increased availability for EIR to countries, for reference during decision-making.

A series of 40 indicators were presented to the country, systematized from two regional workshops.[1],[2] To start, an eligibility process was developed based on the variables contained in the EIR database, and the indicators were prioritized and selected. After data analysis, meetings were held to discuss the results with the EPI and representatives of PAHO and UNICEF country offices, identifying improvements for the indicators and EIR design.

PAHO hopes to replicate the experience with other countries in the Region, improve the document, and continue contributing to the fulfillment of vaccination goals by monitoring, through the use of EIR data. The main objective is to achieve the best possible health status for the population.  

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[1] Workshop on data analysis with information from electronic immunization registries (EIRs), GIN, October 2018.

[2] Workshop on analysis of data from electronic immunization registries. GIN, September 2019.

Authors: Bolivia EPI, Yenny Neira, Rosario Quiroga, Martha Velandia, Pamela Burgos, Ignacio Castro, Marcela Contreras (WHO PAHO).

Photo credit: WHO