Introduction
The fight against vaccine-preventable diseases is an ongoing battle, and pneumococcal disease is no exception. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), pneumococcal disease is a high-priority vaccine-preventable disease. However, in China, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is not part of the National Immunization Program (NIP), which leads to low vaccination coverage. This blog explores the innovative strategy implemented by Weifang City, China, to increase PCV13 coverage and the lessons it offers to practitioners worldwide.
Weifang City's Innovative Strategy
On June 1, 2021, Weifang City launched a pioneering strategy to provide one dose of PCV13 free of charge to children aged 6 months to 2 years in registered households. Additionally, a commercial insurance model was introduced in 2023 to offer one free dose to children over 2 years old. This strategy was part of the Healthy Weifang Strategy and aimed to address the high cost of vaccines, which was a significant barrier to vaccination.
Outcomes and Impact
Following the implementation of this strategy, the full course of vaccination coverage increased significantly from 0.67% to 6.59%. While this is a substantial improvement, it remains lower than coverage rates in developed countries. The strategy's success highlights the importance of innovative approaches in increasing vaccine accessibility and coverage.
Lessons for Practitioners
Practitioners can draw several lessons from Weifang City's experience:
- Negotiation and Collaboration: Weifang City negotiated with vaccine manufacturers to reduce prices, demonstrating the power of collaboration in public health initiatives.
- Public Awareness and Education: Effective communication strategies, including leveraging media and healthcare professionals, were crucial in increasing public awareness and acceptance of the vaccine.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a system to monitor and evaluate the implementation effects is essential for continuous improvement and adaptation of strategies.
Encouragement for Further Research
The success of Weifang City's strategy underscores the potential of innovative approaches in public health. Practitioners are encouraged to explore similar strategies in their regions and conduct further research to refine and improve vaccination programs. Collaborative efforts and data-driven decisions are vital in achieving higher vaccination coverage and better health outcomes for children.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: 13-Valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines vaccination innovative strategy in Weifang City, China: a case study.
