Progress toward sustainable influenza vaccination in the Lao Peoples' Democratic Republic, 2012–2018. Issue 23 (21st May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xeuatvongsa, A.; Mott, J.A.; Khanthamaly, V.; Patthammavong, C.; Phounphenghak, K.; McKinlay, M.; Mirza, S.; Lafond, K.E.; McCarron, M.; Corwin, A.; Moen, A.; Olsen, S.J.; Bresee, J.S.
• Is Part Of: Vaccine. Volume 37:Issue 23(2019)
• Page Start: 3002
• Page End: 3005
• Publication Date: 2019-05-21
• Subjects: Influenza -- Vaccine -- Policy -- Laos -- Vaccination program; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2019.04.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-410X

Abstract

Abstract: Despite global recommendations for influenza vaccination of high-risk, target populations, few low and middle-income countries have national influenza vaccination programs. Between 2012 and 2017, Lao PDR planned and conducted a series of activities to develop its national influenza vaccine program as a part of its overall national immunization program. In this paper, we review the underlying strategic planning for this process, and outline the sequence of activities, research studies, partnerships, and policy decisions that were required to build Laos' influenza vaccine program. The successful development and sustainability of the program in Laos offers lessons for other low and middle-income countries interested in initiating or expanding influenza immunization.