WHO regional meeting on new vaccines introduction experience and issues

The WHO regional meeting on new vaccines introduction held in Izmir, Turkey, on 25–27 June 2014 involved participation from representatives of 24 countries of the WHO European Region, including national immunization programme managers, сhairs and secretaries of national immunization technical advisory groups (NITAGs) and personnel responsible for implementing surveillance for diseases that can be prevented by new vaccines. Participants discussed how decision-making on the introduction of new vaccines can be strengthened through establishing NITAGs and defining their future priorities, accumulating evidence about burden of disease and cost–effectiveness, and sharing experiences and impacts of new vaccine introduction. Comprehensive approaches to reducing pneumonia and diarrhoea were also discussed. This report summarizes key points from presentations, discussions and a panel session at the meeting.