Evidence base for new vaccine introduction in Latin America and the Caribbean

In the past few years, new and underutilized vaccines against diseases associated with high disease burden in developing countries such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Neisseria meningitidis, rotavirus and human papillomavirus (HPV) have become available. These vaccines should substantially contribute toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals by 2015 [1], and have been recommended for inclusion in national Immunization Programs [2], [3], [4], [5] and [6]. However, these new vaccines are more complex and expensive, and the process of preparing for their introduction requires more time, better communication, and adequate planning for logistic and operational issues, compared to older vaccines. Therefore, national decision makers require a comprehensive evidence base to make informed decisions, including evidence about epidemiological and economic burden of disease as well as the cost-effectiveness and incremental costs to the immunization program.