Barriers and activities to implementing or expanding influenza vaccination programs in low- and middle-income countries: A global survey

• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.04.043
• Publication Date: 2021-05-12T12:20:26Z
• Authors: Alison M. Kraigsley; Kristine A. Moore; Amanda Bolster; Maya Peters; Dominique Richardson; Meredith Arpey; Michelle Sonnenbe...; Margaret McCarron; Philipp Lambach; Helena C. Maltezou; Joseph S. Bresee
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; Immunization Programs; Vaccination; 1. No poverty; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; Cost of Illness; Influenza Vaccines; Child, Preschool; Influenza, Human; Humans; Child; Developing Countries

Despite considerable global burden of influenza, few low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have national influenza vaccination programs. This report provides a systematic assessment barriers to activities that support initiating or expanding programs from the perspective in-country public health officials. Public officials in LMICs were sent web-based survey provide information on initiating, expanding, maintaining The primarily included Likert-scale questions asking respondents rank five categories. Of 109 eligible countries, 62% participated. Barriers lack data cost-effectiveness (87%) disease (84%), competing priorities (80%), perceived risk (79%), need for better communication tools (77%), financial vaccine (75%), requirement use only WHO-prequalified vaccines (62%), young children require two doses (60%). Activities advancing educating healthcare workers (97%) decision-makers (91%) benefits vaccination, estimates cost (89%), simplifying introduction by focusing selected high-risk groups (82%), developing prioritize target populations improving availability diagnostic testing collaborations with neighboring procurement (74%) regulatory approval (73%). Responses varied country region income status. Local governments key international stakeholders can results this improve LMICs, which is critical component pandemic preparedness other pathogens such as coronaviruses. Additionally, strategies coverage should be tailored level geographic location.