Lessons Learned and Experiences Related to IPV Introduction

"The introduction of any new vaccine into routine vaccination programs requires a complex set of activities including: mobilization and leverage of political will and country leadership; advocacy and communications; advanced planning...; broad engagement of stakeholders...; alignment of staff and resources; and, allocation of sufficient and timely human and financial resources."

This is a lesson shared in one of the case studies available on a dedicated page of World Health Organization (WHO)'s Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals website. The case studies describe "successful strategies and activities" - many of them communication-oriented - in order to help inform the introduction of the Inactivated Poliomyelitis Vaccine (IPV), as part of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 (See Related Summaries, below).

The case studies - all available for download in PDF format here - include:

• Introduction of IPV in Nepal in September 2014 - Nepal introduced IPV on September 18 2014 into its routine immunisation programme. "Nepal was the first country in South Asia and the first GAVI-eligible country to launch IPV as part of the Polio Endgame Plan. To share their experience, available here are a selection of communication materials used to support Nepal's introduction of IPV, as well as a document describing their planning process and lessons learned."
• Video case studies - Documenting IPV introduction in various countries - These short videos describe the successful introductions of IPV in Albania, Nepal, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Each video highlights the country's commitment and contribution to the global efforts toward polio eradication.
• Introducing IPV - The experience in Yogyakarta, Indonesia - Available in English and French, this 2-page case study describes Yogyakarta, Indonesia's move from oral polio vaccine (OPV) delivery to the routine use of IPV. "Education and effective training of immunization providers and public health program managers as well as the engagement of many partners contributed to their success. Education and materials that addressed health care provider and parent questions about multiple injections were also important."
• Concurrent introduction of two vaccines - A case study from Ghana - Also available in English and French, this 2-page case study explores the process that the Ministry of Health of Ghana carried out in May 2012 to introduce Rotavirus (Rota) and Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) vaccines into WHO's Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) schedule as part of routine immunisation of infants. Organisers "addressed vaccine concerns through effective communication." For example, "it was clearly communicated that eventually both vaccines would have been a part of the immunization program, whether introduced concurrently or separately. Concerns among parents/caregivers about the administration of the additional vaccines together to their children seemed to be allayed by an understanding of the impact of diarrhea and pneumonia on children."
• Concurrent introduction of two vaccines - A case study from Tanzania - Also available in English and French, this 2-page case study explores the process that the Ministry of Health of Tanzania carried out in January 2013 to introduce the Rota and PCV vaccines into the EPI schedule. One finding: "The integrated training of health workers on the two vaccines was seen as being more efficient than separate trainings on individual vaccines....The combined trainings provided opportunity for greater concentration/refresher training on good immunization practices....In addition, EPI staff observed significant savings in the development of communications messages, materials, advertising, and in conducting social mobilization activities. These savings were highlighted in both vaccines because they targeted the same age group - infants."
• Qualitative research findings from Dadaab, Kenya - Also available in English and French, this 11-page case study describes a process by which the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) conducted focus group interviews with people in Hagadera and Ifo refugee camps, as well as from the host community of Dadaab. Researchers asked questions related to community perceptions about the use of IPV in conjunction with OPV. "Participants gave rich insights which can inform the development of communication strategies to address parent and caregiver concerns." For example, with regard to barriers linked to the introduction of IPV: "Lack of information was seen as a major barrier. Participants felt that massive awareness campaign should be carried out in the camps and the host community before the vaccination campaign starts through camp outreach system and social networks: block leaders and elders, duqsies (the places of Quran recital), mosques, Dadaab FM and Star FM radio."
• Polio and routine immunization - a case study from India - Available in English, this 2-page case study describes "a post-polio India", where the polio eradication infrastructure is working to support the country's routine immunisation (RI) system. For instance: "The polio programme was tasked with developing a new communications campaign for RI, including a new logo, posters, and TV and radio PSAs [public service announcements]. In order to tackle the two key reasons for RI drop-outs - fear of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) and parents being unaware of the session date - UNICEF's social mobilizers have included RI sessions in their workplans, mobilizing parents ahead of RI sessions according to their due lists and newborn lists, and on the day of the RI session itself. The Social Mobilization Network continues to lead community efforts to mobilize religious and community leaders to support the RI programme, conducting mothers meetings and identifying and counseling reluctant households. More than 4,500 mosques have given announcements in support of RI sessions or weeks."