tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Vaccine
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doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.11.092 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI
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Pandemic influenza vaccination: Lessons learned from Latin America and the Caribbean
Alba Mar?a Ropero-?lvarez Corresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Alvaro Whittembury1, Hannah Jane Kurtis, Thais dos Santos, M. Carolina Danovaro-Holliday, Cuauht?moc Ruiz-Matus
Comprehensive Family Immunization Project, Pan American Health Organization, USA
Received 15 June 2011; revised 15 November 2011; Accepted 23 November 2011. Available online 11 December 2011.
Abstract
In April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the emergence of a new influenza (H1N1) virus which led to the first pandemic declaration of the 21st century. Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) had a national preparedness plan in place at this time; however, the vaccination component of such plans was largely undeveloped. Nevertheless, countries were able to capitalize on the infrastructure of their immunization programs and widespread experience utilizing the seasonal influenza vaccine to prepare rapidly, developing H1N1 vaccination plans targeting individuals with chronic disease, pregnant women and health care workers, among others. In LAC vaccine was acquired through three mechanisms: the Pan American Health Organization's Revolving Fund, direct manufacturer purchase, and WHO donations. Vaccine access was not equitable both in quantity of vaccine available and timeless of vaccine availability. As of December 2010, an estimated 145 million doses had been administered in LAC. Despite high regional coverage, there were large variations in coverage at the national level; pregnant women had the lowest coverage, despite their high risk for morbidity and mortality. The number of severe adverse events reported in LAC was similar to those expected with the seasonal influenza vaccine. Risk communication was one of the key challenges countries faced, mainly due to concerns and misinformation spread regarding vaccine safety. Countries and the international community need to learn from the experiences gained during H1N1 vaccination in order to be better prepared for the next pandemic.
Highlights
► Globally, Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) was among the regions with the greatest implementation of pandemic vaccination, despite facing many challenges. As of December 2010, an estimated 145 million doses had been administered in LAC, representing approximately a 99% completion of the pre-established goals for target groups. ► Despite high regional vaccination coverage, there were large variations by country in coverage of high risk groups. ► LAC countries had access to H1N1 vaccine; however, this access was far from equitable, both in the quantity of vaccine available, as well as in the timeliness of vaccine availability. ► Risk communication was one of the key challenges countries faced, mainly due to concerns and misinformation spread regarding vaccine safety.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X11018883
In Press, Uncorrected Proof - Note to users
doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.11.092 | How to Cite or Link Using DOI
Permissions & Reprints
Pandemic influenza vaccination: Lessons learned from Latin America and the Caribbean
Alba Mar?a Ropero-?lvarez Corresponding Author Contact Information, E-mail The Corresponding Author, Alvaro Whittembury1, Hannah Jane Kurtis, Thais dos Santos, M. Carolina Danovaro-Holliday, Cuauht?moc Ruiz-Matus
Comprehensive Family Immunization Project, Pan American Health Organization, USA
Received 15 June 2011; revised 15 November 2011; Accepted 23 November 2011. Available online 11 December 2011.
Abstract
In April 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the emergence of a new influenza (H1N1) virus which led to the first pandemic declaration of the 21st century. Most countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) had a national preparedness plan in place at this time; however, the vaccination component of such plans was largely undeveloped. Nevertheless, countries were able to capitalize on the infrastructure of their immunization programs and widespread experience utilizing the seasonal influenza vaccine to prepare rapidly, developing H1N1 vaccination plans targeting individuals with chronic disease, pregnant women and health care workers, among others. In LAC vaccine was acquired through three mechanisms: the Pan American Health Organization's Revolving Fund, direct manufacturer purchase, and WHO donations. Vaccine access was not equitable both in quantity of vaccine available and timeless of vaccine availability. As of December 2010, an estimated 145 million doses had been administered in LAC. Despite high regional coverage, there were large variations in coverage at the national level; pregnant women had the lowest coverage, despite their high risk for morbidity and mortality. The number of severe adverse events reported in LAC was similar to those expected with the seasonal influenza vaccine. Risk communication was one of the key challenges countries faced, mainly due to concerns and misinformation spread regarding vaccine safety. Countries and the international community need to learn from the experiences gained during H1N1 vaccination in order to be better prepared for the next pandemic.
Highlights
► Globally, Latin American and the Caribbean (LAC) was among the regions with the greatest implementation of pandemic vaccination, despite facing many challenges. As of December 2010, an estimated 145 million doses had been administered in LAC, representing approximately a 99% completion of the pre-established goals for target groups. ► Despite high regional vaccination coverage, there were large variations by country in coverage of high risk groups. ► LAC countries had access to H1N1 vaccine; however, this access was far from equitable, both in the quantity of vaccine available, as well as in the timeliness of vaccine availability. ► Risk communication was one of the key challenges countries faced, mainly due to concerns and misinformation spread regarding vaccine safety.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0264410X11018883