JSI’s Post

Measuring Zero-Dose Children: Reflections on Age Cohort Flexibilities for Targeted Immunization Surveys at the Local Level Zero-dose (ZD) children is a critical objective in global health, and it is at the heart of the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) strategy. Coverage for the first dose of diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP1)-containing vaccine is the global operational indicator used to estimate ZD children. When surveys are used, DTP1 coverage estimates usually rely on information reported from caregivers of children aged 12–23 months. It is important to have a global definition of ZD children, but learning and operational needs at a country level may require different ZD measurement approaches. This article summarizes a recent workshop discussion on ZD measurement for targeted surveys at local levels related to flexibilities in age cohorts of inclusion from the Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance Zero-Dose Learning Hub (ZDLH) initiative—a learning initiative involving 5 consortia of 14 different organizations across 4 countries—Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda—and a global learning partner, JSI. The ZDLH initiative, decided to align on a recommendation to include the age cohort from 18 weeks to 23 months, with enough power to enable disaggregation of key results across the two different cohort years. We argue that flexibilities with the age cohort for inclusion in targeted surveys at the local level may be an important principle to be considered. More research is needed to better understand in which contexts improvements in timeliness of DTP1 in the first year of life will translate to improvements in ZD results in the age cohort of 12–23 months as defined by the global DTP1 indicator. #immunization https://lnkd.in/eip2trZz

There is lots of talk about childhood immunizations - but what about immunization of older adults? Learn more about protecting this vulnerable group. Register for what looks to be a really informative webinar.

Exploring Advances in Immunization Logistics “Strengthening the immunization supply chain through EVM assessment: Comparing India’s two successive national assessments.” This piece offers a comprehensive analysis of India’s efforts in enhancing its immunization supply chains, crucial for effective healthcare delivery. Key Takeaways- • The article examines India’s implementation of two successive national Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessments. • It highlights significant improvements and ongoing challenges in the vaccine supply chain, vital for vaccine efficacy and broader public health. Why It Matters: • In a country with a vast and diverse population, optimizing vaccine supply is critical. • Understanding the progression between the two assessments provides valuable lessons for healthcare logistics, not just in India but globally. Reflection- • The findings underscore the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in healthcare systems. • They also illustrate the power of data and analysis in driving policy and operational decisions in public health. As we continue to navigate global health challenges, studies like this offer crucial insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in public health and logistics. https://lnkd.in/gS6JT85D #PublicHealth #VaccineManagement #HealthcareLogistics #Immunization #IndiaHealthcare

"In 2023, the global count of unvaccinated and under-vaccinated children rose to 21 million, marking an increase of 2.7 million from the pre-pandemic figures. Despite this overall increase, the WHO African region saw a decrease in unvaccinated children, from 7.3 million in 2022 to 6.7 million in 2023. Additionally, there was progress in HPV vaccine, which is crucial for preventing cervical cancer. Globally, the coverage for at least one dose of the HPV vaccine increased from 20% in 2022 to 27% in 2023. While these developments are positive, they still fall short of the set target, which aims to reduce the number of unvaccinated children to no more than 6.5 million by 2030." #Vaccination #Vaccine #Immunization #ChildDevelopment

Two new Zero-Dose Learning Hub webinars: "Vaccinating Every Child: Promising Strategies for Reaching Zero-Dose Children" In the pursuit of global immunization equity, identifying and reaching zero-dose (ZD) children, under-immunized (UI) children, and missed communities remains a complex challenge. Reaching these children with life-saving vaccines requires clear and accurate data about who they are and where they live. Join the Zero-Dose Learning Hub for a two-part webinar series on using high-quality data to better reach ZD children, UI children, and missed communities. During this webinar series, immunization experts from Bangladesh, Mali, Nigeria, and Uganda will share their experiences using innovative, data-grounded methods to reach ZD and UI children and missed communities. Schedule: Thursday, June 13: Bangladesh and Nigeria Country Learning Hubs (CLHs) 7am ET / 12 pm WAT / 1pm CET / 5 pm BST | https://lnkd.in/eTBqnUVD Wednesday, June 26: Mali and Uganda CLHs 8 am ET / 12 pm GMT / 2 pm CET / 3 pm EAT | https://lnkd.in/efntM6WB

👶 Ensuring a Healthy & Immune Start for Your Little Ones 👶 Parents, we know you want the best for your child's health and well-being. As partners in your child's early education and care, we kindly remind you of the importance of childhood immunizations. 💉 Vaccines are essential to protect your child from preventable diseases. They are safe, effective, and a crucial part of their health journey. To make it easy, the CDC provides a comprehensive schedule for childhood immunizations. 📌 Check out this handy guide from the CDC to stay on top of your child's vaccine schedule: https://lnkd.in/gfPVdHu At Assistolution, LLC, we prioritize the health and safety of every child in our care. If you have any questions or need support with vaccinations, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can keep our little ones happy, healthy, and thriving! #ChildhoodImmunizations #HealthyKids #Parenting #Childcare

ThinkWell has updated the Immunization Delivery Cost Catalogue, the most comprehensive database on the cost of delivering vaccines in LMICs, adding data from 12 new countries and 607 new unit costs. Browse the database and read the analysis brief which summarizes the data. ThinkWell’s analysis shows that more evidence is needed on reaching specific target populations and for the 86 LMICs for which delivery cost evidence is currently missing: https://ow.ly/jR6g50SlSFP

🌍 Exciting Publication Announcement: Advancing Vaccine Outreach in Eswatini We are proud to unveil a report titled "Cost-Effectiveness of Integrated #Vaccination Outreach Service Delivery in #Eswatini," a collaborative effort between UNICEF and Triangulate Health Ltd. 🔍 This rigorous study assesses the economic impact and strategic benefits of integrated vaccination outreach services, which are crucial for reaching zero-dose and under-vaccinated children across Eswatini. Amidst the challenges of regional healthcare disparities and significant public health needs, our findings support key strategic interventions aimed at optimizing resource allocation towards achieving SDG target 3.2 - ending preventable child deaths. 💡Core Insights: ➡Cost Variability: The analysis identifies significant cost variability across traditional and integrated outreach services, with costs per child vaccinated ranging from USD 3.7 for measles campaigns to USD 17.3 for HPV campaigns. ➡Impact of Service Delivery Models: Integrated outreach models, including PHU and NGO-operated mobile services, demonstrate variable cost-effectiveness, with costs influenced significantly by operational coverage and service integration levels. ➡Regional Disparities: Socio-demographic factors such as maternal education and regional residency impact vaccination uptake, highlighting the need for tailored outreach strategies. 👉 Recommendations: ➡Prioritize and expand integrated vaccination outreach efforts to maximize coverage and cost-effectiveness. ➡Consider socio-demographic factors in planning to ensure equitable healthcare access across different regions. ➡Explore partnerships and health infrastructure investments, including IT systems for health data management, to support comprehensive outreach services. 📘Dive into the complete report for a thorough analysis of the cost structures, benefits, and strategic recommendations to improve vaccination outreach effectiveness. Access the full text here (full report and policy brief): https://lnkd.in/deRfGeff #Eswatini #Vaccination #Immunization #PublicHealth #ChildHealth #ChildDevelopment #PublicFinance #PF4C #HealthcareInnovation #VaccinationAccess

Please join the discussion on #zerodose with country examples from #Nigeria, #Mali, #Uganda and #Bangladesh. #vaccineswork!

Strengthening Childhood Immunization through Maternal Education: A Vital Connection Are you aware of the remarkable impact maternal education can have on childhood vaccination rates? A thought-provoking systematic review by Ahmed et al. sheds light on the powerful relationship between a mother's educational background and her child's immunization status. According to the study, children of mothers without formal education are 27% less likely to receive complete vaccinations (with a 95% confidence interval of [16%, 36%]). [1] This finding underscores the crucial role that education plays in ensuring our children's health and well-being. As advocates for public health, it's clear that we have an opportunity to make a significant difference. To enhance childhood vaccination rates and pave the way for a healthier future, it is imperative for government agencies and relevant organizations to redouble their efforts in educating and empowering mothers and potential mothers. Female education must take center stage in our collective mission to protect the health of our children. Join me in championing this cause and spreading awareness about the integral connection between maternal education and childhood immunization. Let's work hand in hand to ensure that every child receives the life-saving vaccines they deserve. Together, we can make a tangible impact on the health and well-being of our future generations. Remember: Vaccines save lives. It's time to empower mothers and elevate childhood vaccination through education. _Your Vaccine Pharmacist_ Reference: 1. Ahmed Ali H, Hartner AM, Echeverria-Londono S, Roth J, Li X, Abbas K, et al. Correction: Vaccine equity in low and middle income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis (International Journal for Equity in Health, (2022), 21, 1, (82), 10.1186/s12939-022-01678-5). Int J Equity Health. 2022;21(1):1–30. 2. Picture from UNICEF #ChildhoodImmunization #MaternalEducation World Health Organization UNICEF Dr. Adaora Anyichie - Odis (Ph.D) Chika Offor