Abstract:Introduction: The Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectology (SLIPE for its acronym in Spanish) is working hard to contribute with strategic actions to prevent the recurrence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and to prevent the reduction of vaccine coverage in the region of the Americas. Areas covered: On Friday, September 25th, a Latin American forum of experts on immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic was held through Webex platform. Issues such as: the imminent risk of occurrence and outbreak… Show more
“…The systematic literature review included 14 studies out of 696 publications identified through the five databases ( Figure 2 ). 13–15 , 20–30 A description of the main characteristics of the studies follows; further details are presented in Table S4. Figure 2.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Geographically, the included studies presented nationwide (n = 6), 20–21 , 26–29 regional (n = 4) 13 , 15 , 24 , 25 or international (n = 4) 14 , 22 , 23 , 30 data (Figure S1). Among the studies reporting nationwide data, the highest number reported data from Brazil (n = 3).…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…21 Regional studies that reported data for the Latin American region were also identified (n = 4). 13 , 15 , 24 , 25 Studies reporting international level data were produced by WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and PAHO (n = 4). 14 , 22 , 23 , 30…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…5 , 9–12 Consequently, several supranational organizations and experts have issued guidelines for missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 13–15 …”
Globally, an estimated 23 million children missed vaccination in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We analyzed vaccination coverage trends and catch-up strategies/recommendations implemented in Latin America during the pandemic. We performed a national administrative database analysis and a systematic literature review to evaluate vaccination coverage data and identify catch-up strategies for missed vaccinations in selected countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru). Data were extracted from national health ministry vaccination coverage and supranational databases to identify coverage of rotavirus (RV), pentavalent/hexavalent, measles, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) at country level before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic literature review of published papers was conducted to identify vaccination catch-up strategies published in January 2020–June 2021. National administrative database-reported data showed that vaccination coverage trends were declining prior to 2020. The change in vaccination coverage before and during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from 2.5% to −11.5% (RV), −3.0% to −11.0% (measles), 1.5% to −7.5% (PCV), 9.0% to −14.0% (pentavalent/hexavalent), and 3.0% to −18.5% (BCG). Among 696 identified studies, 14 studies were included in this review. Catch-up vaccination strategies included prioritizing routine vaccinations as per the national immunization schedule. Overall vaccination coverage declined by varying degrees among the countries investigated. This trend was observed prior to 2020, suggesting multifactorial reasons for declining vaccination rates in Latin America.
“…The systematic literature review included 14 studies out of 696 publications identified through the five databases ( Figure 2 ). 13–15 , 20–30 A description of the main characteristics of the studies follows; further details are presented in Table S4. Figure 2.…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…Geographically, the included studies presented nationwide (n = 6), 20–21 , 26–29 regional (n = 4) 13 , 15 , 24 , 25 or international (n = 4) 14 , 22 , 23 , 30 data (Figure S1). Among the studies reporting nationwide data, the highest number reported data from Brazil (n = 3).…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…21 Regional studies that reported data for the Latin American region were also identified (n = 4). 13 , 15 , 24 , 25 Studies reporting international level data were produced by WHO, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and PAHO (n = 4). 14 , 22 , 23 , 30…”
Section: Resultsmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…5 , 9–12 Consequently, several supranational organizations and experts have issued guidelines for missed vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 13–15 …”
Globally, an estimated 23 million children missed vaccination in 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We analyzed vaccination coverage trends and catch-up strategies/recommendations implemented in Latin America during the pandemic. We performed a national administrative database analysis and a systematic literature review to evaluate vaccination coverage data and identify catch-up strategies for missed vaccinations in selected countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru). Data were extracted from national health ministry vaccination coverage and supranational databases to identify coverage of rotavirus (RV), pentavalent/hexavalent, measles, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) at country level before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic literature review of published papers was conducted to identify vaccination catch-up strategies published in January 2020–June 2021. National administrative database-reported data showed that vaccination coverage trends were declining prior to 2020. The change in vaccination coverage before and during the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from 2.5% to −11.5% (RV), −3.0% to −11.0% (measles), 1.5% to −7.5% (PCV), 9.0% to −14.0% (pentavalent/hexavalent), and 3.0% to −18.5% (BCG). Among 696 identified studies, 14 studies were included in this review. Catch-up vaccination strategies included prioritizing routine vaccinations as per the national immunization schedule. Overall vaccination coverage declined by varying degrees among the countries investigated. This trend was observed prior to 2020, suggesting multifactorial reasons for declining vaccination rates in Latin America.
“…Existing inequalities in routine immunizations and subnational coverage gaps in LAC have been deepened by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in light of the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable populations in the region as well as the long-standing inequalities in health service access and utilization [9] , [10] , [11] . The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a global collaboration launched by the WHO, provides leadership and integrated guidance in partnership with governments, private sector organizations, civil society, and philanthropic entities around the world to strengthen health systems and support the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 testing, treatment, and vaccines.…”
In 2020, the World Health Organization launched the Immunization Agenda 2030: A Global Strategy to Leave No One Behind, which prioritizes high equitable immunization coverage at the national level and in all districts. Achieving high and homogenous immunization coverage, which is all the more important within the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccine rollout, requires the strengthening of existing immunization activities and innovative approach to immunization promotion. This research applied a descriptive case study methodology to document the implementation of strategic multi-level alliances to promote equitable immunization access and demand in Colombia, Guyana, and Sucre, Bolivia. Data collection, carried out between September 2019 and March 2020, included documentary reviews, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and site visits accompanied by discussions with relevant stakeholders. Case studies provide valuable examples of people-centered, partnership-based, country-owned, and data-guided approaches to promoting equitable immunization coverage, including multi-level partnerships to build technical capacity for the identification and measurement of social inequalities impacting immunization in Colombia; intersectoral and community collaboration for pro-equity emergency response to regional vaccine preventable disease outbreaks in Guyana; and strategic alliances with the education sector and civil society organizations for the introduction of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine in Sucre, Bolivia. Lessons learned highlight avenues for improving the impact of multi-level, equity-focused capacity building, particularly at the local level; optimizing the use of data and resources, partnerships, and community and stakeholder education and empowerment. While impact studies are needed to better understand the quantitative contributions of such strategic alliances, these case studies illustrate their practical significance and reinforce the value of multi-level, intersectoral collaboration for enhancing equitable immunization access and demand. The experiences of Colombia, Guyana, and Sucre, Bolivia provide evidence-based insight to support pro-equity immunization program planning to ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone, everywhere receives the benefits of vaccines, both routine and for COVID-19.
Since its initial detection in Brazil in February 2020, SARS-CoV-2 and the associated COVID-19 pandemic have continued to devastate Latin America. Specific comorbidities, as well as sociodemographic and lifestyle factors that may be more prevalent in underserved areas, have been identified as risk factors for COVID-19 infection or associated adverse outcomes. Dynamics of infections and deaths in Latin America have varied by country and temporally, as has SARS-CoV-2 variant prevalence; however, more recently, the Delta and subsequent Omicron variants have become ubiquitous. Successful pandemic responses have involved robust infection mitigation measures, testing, and smart deployment of healthcare resourcing. While in some Latin American countries up to 90% of the population is fully vaccinated (i.e., 2 doses) against COVID-19, other countries have failed to reach the World Health Organization’s 70% target. Continued focus on comprehensive surveillance, strategies to maximize vaccine availability and uptake, and mitigation of collateral damage on other aspects of public health and social services are critical for managing the COVID-19 pandemic. This review summarizes the COVID-19 experience in Latin America, including epidemiology and vaccination. Key learnings and future considerations for the ongoing pandemic response are also discussed.
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