Early analysis of vaccine production capacity highlighted that pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccine would be scarce for those countries without pre-existing purchase agreements with manufacturers [4] and [13]. In spite of concerns about vaccine access, www.selleckchem.com/products/CP-673451.html countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with historically

strong vaccination programs [14], began preparations for upcoming vaccination campaigns. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) serves as the WHO Regional Office for the Americas and provides technical assistance to countries and territories in the Region [14]. During the pandemic, PAHO provided technical cooperation to countries to mitigate the pandemic impact and served as a Regional platform for information sharing [14]. The objective of this article is to describe the process of preparation, procurement, and use of the pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccine in LAC, and to discuss the lessons learned selleck kinase inhibitor from this experience. We examined data sent

from Member States to PAHO including population targeted for pandemic (H1N1) vaccination, vaccine source, campaign dates, coverage by target group, and the number and classification of events supposedly associated with vaccines and immunization (ESAVI). Other information sources included pandemic (H1N1) vaccine procurement records from PAHO’s Revolving Fund (RF) and WHO reports on pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccine donations. The RF is a mechanism for bulk purchase of vaccines and immunization supplies, managed by PAHO

since 1979. PAHO consolidates vaccine orders from participating Member States and conducts international bids open to vaccine manufacturers on their behalf [15] and [16]. We gathered any missing information through ad hoc phone calls with countries. WHO recommends the use of seasonal influenza vaccine as a key strategy for pandemic preparedness [17]. Though the seasonal vaccine is unlikely to protect against a pandemic influenza virus, the use of this vaccine helps countries gain experience vaccinating otherwise non-traditional population groups. It is also thought to reduce the probability of recombination of influenza virus strains. Furthermore, the heightened demand for seasonal vaccine increases global influenza Thalidomide vaccine production capacity [17] and [18]. Beginning in 2004, there was a marked uptake of the seasonal influenza vaccine in LAC [19]. As of December 2008, 35 of 45 LAC countries and territories (excluding the French Departments), had introduced seasonal influenza vaccine in their national vaccination programs [19]. When cases of pandemic influenza (H1N1) virus were first identified in spring 2009 most LAC countries had a national pandemic preparedness plan in place [20] which focused mostly on preparation of health services and virus surveillance; the vaccination component of such plans remained largely undeveloped, as vaccine was not expected to be available during the first pandemic wave [18], [21] and [22].