IA2030 Case study 2. Squaring the circle: safeguarding existing immunization programmes and primary healthcare during COVID-19 vaccination

An engagement exercise undertaken with immunization workers from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), drawing on the learning platform coordinated by the Geneva Learning Foundation (LinkedIn | YouTube | Twitter | Podcast), has identified some of the ways in which countries, districts and facilities are adapting to deliver both COVID-19 and existing vaccines. Across two virtual events, more than 500 participants from 60 countries contributed to discussions. An analysis of their contributions provides insight into how this key issue is being addressed in LMICs, at different levels of the immunization system. Key insights from this engagement with frontline staff include: Strong leadership is needed to ensure that both COVID-19 vaccination and existing vaccines are prioritized. The twin challenges have driven rapid innovations in practice and use of new technologies. Integration of responses has helped to enhance efficiency and created new outreach opportunities. Resources mobilized for COVID-19 vaccination have been used to strengthen traditional vaccination and primary healthcare. COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has been a major challenge, commonly addressed through strengthening of community engagement that will benefit wider immunization programmes. This Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) case study is part of the IA2030 Movement’s Knowledge-to-Action Hub. Learn more about the Hub… Learn more about the Movement