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Vaccines and delivery technologies

All topics related to vaccine products, presentation and packaging; also includes temperature indicators such as vaccine vial monitors (VVMs) and vaccine delivery devices.

Immunization information systems & coverage monitoring

All topics related to information systems used to support immunization programmes, including electronic immunization registries, logistics management information systems (LMIS), geographic information systems (GIS), integrated health management information systems, and immunization coverage monitoring (administrative and survey data).

Service delivery

All topics related to the delivery of immunization services, including routine and campaign delivery services as well as injection safety.

Global initiatives

All topics related to global immunization initiatives, including advocacy and communications, awareness-raising, and global strategies.

Supply chain and logistics

All topics related to immunization supply chain and logistics, including vaccine forecasting and supply planning, distribution systems, vaccine management, vaccine wastage, and waste management.

Cold chain equipment

All topics related to equipment used to support the immunization cold chain, such as refrigerators, freezers, insulated containers, water-packs, and temperature monitoring devices; covers equipment selection, procurement, installation, repair, maintenance and performance.

Programme management

All topics related to immunization programme management, including planning, budgeting, financing, performance monitoring, and human resources.

Announcements

Immunization news, as well as events, jobs, RFPs, and useful resources.

Latest discussions

A Bright Future—Helping to Power Primary Health Care with an Energy Harvest Control

In January 2019, PATH and the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) partnered with the government of Senegal to evaluate a smart energy management device attached to certain solar vaccine refrigerators that would enable health workers to use electric devices in areas with limited or unreliable power. Called an energy harvest control (EHC), the device consists of a smart switch that takes excess power generated from solar panels already powering the refrigerators and safely allows the energy to be used for devices such as lights, fans, mobile phones, and some medical devices. The EHC configuration varies by solar direct drive (SDD) refrigerator manufacturer, but each device can access the excess energy, including through USB ports or 12 VDC sockets. The evaluation is taking place in four health posts in the Meckhe and Tivaouane districts of Senegal. To date, three EHC devices have been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO) Performance, Quality and Safety (PQS) process—two SD...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

In : Cold chain equipment
Immunization Agenda 2030

As we approach the end of the Decade of Vaccines and with just a couple of years remaining on the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP 2011-2020), a new Immunization Agenda 2030 is needed for the entire health and development community – one that re-affirms the benefits of vaccines and immunizations for a healthier, more secure and prosperous world through their contributions to the achievements of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Sustainable Development (SDG). An initial attempt to assemble ideas, thoughts and content for an Immunization Agenda 2030 is now available for broad review. It is being shared as a ‘draft zero’ and is offered as a starting point for further co-creation and co-development with immunization specialists, broader health experts, and wider health stakeholders at country, regional and global levels. We welcome your reactions and views on this document by 14 June 2019 either by: • Providing quick feedback via an online survey: https://www.surveymonkey...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Monday, 20 05/2019 07:59 AM

In : Global initiatives

Tags : GVAP
Meeting of the Pan-African Parliamentarians (PAP) and AFRO

We must do more to make sure everyone has access to essential health services. Investing in #immunization can help strengthen health systems and advance #UHC. #ProtectedTogether #VaccinesWork I’m sharing the good news from this week’s meeting of the Pan-African Parliamentarians (PAP) and AFRO to advance the dialogue and commitments on the implementation of the African Union AU Declaration on Universal Access to Immunization. http://www.panafricanparliament.org/index.php/news-and-events/47-global-health-coverage-immunization-and-albinism-take-priority-at-pap-session This is (almost to the day) a year after launching the Immunization Business Case for the African Continent at the World Health Assembly (WHA71) by the DG (Dr Tedros) and AFRO RD (Dr Moeti). This is another big milestone as Parliamentarians will have a critical role to play in holding our Member States accountable for immunization outcomes. Getting their commitment is key to implementing the Addis Declaration on Immu...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Friday, 17 05/2019 09:38 AM

In : Global initiatives

Tags : WHO
New Topic page: EPI Core Reference Materials!

Announcing a new Topic resource page: EPI Core Reference Materials, now available on TechNet here: https://www.technet-21.org/en/topics/epi-core-reference

On this page, you will have accesss to a list of key reference materials published by the WHO Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), organized by antigen, themes, and groups. This page will continue to be updated as new global resources become available, so check back regularly!

Remember you can also find all documents, as well as additional immunization materials, in the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) Document Centre on the WHO web.
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Wednesday, 15 05/2019 05:16 PM

In : Announcements

Tags : Training , WHO
True Story of Elite Babies

Dear viewers Several workshops were routinely held in the past and many more will be held in the future also especially to address urban immunization issues. Mission Director of Karnataka, in his inaugural speech expressed his deep apprehension as to whether the workshop will end with feasible solution. Some issues are perpetual look too complicated but very simple solutions are available which can be implemented with adrenaline speed in a sustainable way provided “bottom up approach, local tested innovations” are valued as iterated by GVAP as their 5th and 6th strategic objectives. Attached example represents lakhs of babies of elite family for whom right vaccines with known potency are either delayed or denied or administered with no known potency, vaccination data are not transferable to HMIS hence do not add to the countries progress. These children are deprived of the luxury of FIC before first birth day and complete immunization before 2nd birth day – 2 of the 4 cri...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Wednesday, 15 05/2019 02:33 PM

In : Service delivery

Tags : TechNet-21
Simple VPD (e.g. measles or diphtheria) susceptibility analysis tool

Does anyone know or use a simplified susceptibility analysis tool that can be used at sub-national level? Is there a model of a simple susceptibility analysis tool likely to be used by people who are neither very much techno savvy nor have strong epidemiological background but need some guidance/ evidence to convince decision-makers to invest in the conduct of preventive vaccinations/outreach/ defaulter tracking by showing how many children are susceptible and there's an imminent outbreak?

This will be linked to a request for local government funding and other basic support to carry out the necessary intervention way before an outbreak actually occurs. Something that is flexible (e.g. can be used for measles and/or diphtheria) and uses locally available or limited data.

Any input is highly appreciated and thanks in advance.
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Tuesday, 14 05/2019 10:02 AM

In : Immunization information systems & coverage monitoring
Given mOPV2 and bOPV to eligible child during campaign

Dear all

I encountered operational challege were during SIA, specifically OBR using mOPV2 antigen. I observed that the fixed post team were given only bOPV which is the right antigen for routine while ignoring the purpose of the campaign (mOPV2 not given). They were intructed to give both mOPV2 and bOPV concurrently in other to ensure children received RI and SIA doses. When we reffered to the stakeholders it was revealed that guideline stipulated that, child should receive only mOPV2 and resheduled for bOPV next contact. i have little imformation that needs clarification from immunzation experts and/or refference materials for capacity building in support of the guideline.

1. What is the possible consequence of given mOPV2 and bOPV at same time? any scientific justification.

2. Weighing the risk of missed oppurtunities and combining both antigens at same, which one should i prioritised?

Thanks alot waiting for your input.
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Monday, 13 05/2019 12:59 PM

In : Service delivery

Tags : SAGE , Polio , OPV
IVIR-AC endorsement of WHO Market Information for Access Initiative and methodology

Hello, please check out recent feedback from the Immunization and vaccines related implementation research advisory committee (IVIR-AC) on the newly-launched WHO Market Information for Access Initiative (MI4A) and methodology: "The initiative is providing a valuable public good that could shape markets and ultimately save lives if greater transparency and less information asymmetry generally lead to more efficient markets." View the full IVIR-AC recommendations in the current edition of WHO's Weekly Epidemiological Record: https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/312312/WER9419.pdf MI4A provides a unique global perspective on vaccine markets, covering all countries and vaccines with objectives to: Enhance the understanding of global vaccine demand, supply and pricing dynamics and identifying affordability and shortage risks; Convene all relevant global health partners to contribute to the development of policies, strategies, and guidance to address the identified r...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Friday, 10 05/2019 10:52 AM

In : Global initiatives

Tags : Procurement , V3P
Temperature monitoring/recording

There are different types of cold chain monitoring devices such as freeze alert, Log tag, 30 DTR, and liquid thermometers. Among these devices, which device are more appropriate and convenient to use for monitoring temperature in refrigerators?
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Monday, 06 05/2019 11:31 AM

In : Cold chain equipment
WHO releases a new Vaccine Wastage Calculator

Hello! We are happy to announce the release of the WHO Vaccine Wastage Rates Calculator. It can be downloaded from the WHO website at the following link: https://www.who.int/immunization/programmes_systems/supply_chain/resources/tools/en/ It is the culmination of many years of efforts to provide a rational guidance on vaccine wastage estimation. As you know, wastage is an important parameter for vaccine forecasting needs and remain a sensitive indicator for vaccine utilization. Therefore, wastage could impact both the immunization programme cost, coverage and equity. In 2002, WHO issued global indicative vaccine wastage rates to be used by countries in absence of national data. Nevertheless, they remain generic with significant limitations since they were not necessarily reflecting each specific vaccine service delivery setting. The new WHO Vaccine Wastage Rates Calculator was developed in response to these limitations. The development was supported by a WHO model ...
Last replied by : Pat Lennon on Tuesday, 21 05/2019 12:35 AM

Posted on : Thursday, 09 05/2019 12:16 PM

In : Supply chain and logistics

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VACCINES AND DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES

All topics related to vaccine products, presentation and packaging; also includes temperature indicators such as vaccine vial monitors (VVMs) and vaccine delivery devices.