Facilitating Successful Introduction of Covid-19 Vaccines

Scientists worldwide are racing to develop a vaccine for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The COVAX initiative, led by a global collaboration of Gavi – the Vaccine Alliance, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and WHO, is accelerating the process and aims to ensure rapid and equitable access to safe and effective vaccine options. For countries, making decisions on COVID-19 vaccine options and introduction, deployment, and monitoring poses complex challenges to governments. Success will depend on how key essential components of the introduction process are planned, implemented, monitored, and evaluated. The USAID Medicines, Technologies, and Pharmaceutical Services (MTaPS) Program can assist countries with cross-cutting technical expertise to enable timely access and adequate and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.