Immunisation programmes are tasked with delivering life-saving vaccines for all children. This responsibility requires immunisation programmes to respond to community needs and concerns, reduce barriers that limit caregiver access and provide respectful, quality services so that individuals and communities have a positive attitude about vaccines, the services available to them and actively seek out and advocate for immunisation. Digital health information (DHI) systems and technologies can be applied in a variety of ways to help improve immunisation uptake by encouraging community demand and improving the service delivery experience.

Immunisation demand is influenced by layers of complex factors that contribute to successful and complete immunisation. One component involves the identification, tracking and retention of children to ensure that they receive the recommended schedule of vaccinations on time. Digital health information tools and technologies can help immunisation completion and reduce loss to follow-up by engaging and supporting caregivers as well as improving the quality of services provided. Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has prioritised immunisation demand and community engagement as one of the six areas for digital health information investment to support the successful achievement of Gavi’s 5.0 strategic goals. Drawing from the literature, reports and documented country experiences, the following areas are recommended for both Gavi Alliance Members and other partners to support country programmes.

This Technical Brief provides a summary of how digital health information (DHI) and related technologies can improve immunisation completion and reduce loss to follow-up to inform the development of Gavi’s Digital Health Information Strategy.