Oleg Benes

Sharing herewith the “Guidance on routine immunization services during COVID-19 pandemic in the WHO European Region” developed by WHO EURO VPI team in consultation with WHO EURO COVID19 Team, ETAGE experts and UNICEF Regional Office.

The document aims to provide pragmatic guidance for national immunization managers on managing proggrammes during various stages of COVID-19 pandemic.

It is expected to be regularly revised and updated as the epidemiological situation of COVID-19 evolves and to address issues aiming to mitigate further the impact of pandemic on immunization.

Some key elements of the document:

- treating immunization as an essential health service to be provided as long as the COVID-19 situation allows;

- suggesting immunization options based on risk assessment (incorporating review of risks of vaccine preventable diseases; COVID-19 burden; and availability of immunization resources and vaccines supplies and logistics;

- Guiding principles for immunization programmes during the COVID-19 pandemic

- Programmatic considerations in conducting vaccination during COVID-19 pandemic and limiting risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission during vaccination sessions

Link: http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/communicable-diseases/hepatitis/publications/2020/guidance-on-routine-immunization-services-during-covid-19-pandemic-in-the-who-european-region-2020