Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals
The Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals department is responsible for targeting vaccine-preventable diseases, guiding immunization research and establishing immunization policy.
National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs)
National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are multidisciplinary groups of national experts responsible for providing independent, evidence-informed advice to policy makers and programme managers on policy issues related to immunization and vaccines. NITAGs are an important component of national immunization systems.
Key facts
- The Global Vaccine Action Plan called for all countries to establish or have access to a NITAG by 2020;
- As of 2021, 120 countries reported the existence of a NITAG meeting the six NITAG process criteria of a well established NITAG;
- The Immunization Agenda 2030 further underscores the need to support and strengthen the role of NITAGs;
- The Global NITAG Network (GNN), a bottom-up initiative formally structured in 2017, is a global platform that helps foster collaborations, sharing of experiences and knowledge exchange among NITAGs across all regions.
Tools
- For more information on NITAGs and to access resources that help support NITAGs with their decision-making, check out the NITAG Resource Centre
- In partnership with the Robert Koch Institute, a database of all immunization-related systematic reviews is now available on Sysvac. The database is quality appraised to help support evidence-based recommendations.
References
- Evidence-informed vaccination decision-making in countries: Progress, challenges and opportunities.
Vaccine. 2021 Apr 8; 39(15): 2146-2152 - open access - Strengthening and sustainability of national immunization technical advisory groups (NITAGs) globally: Lessons and recommendations from the founding meeting of the global NITAG network.
Vaccine. 2017 May 25; 35(23):3007-3011. doi: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2017.04.039 - open access - National Immunization Advisory Groups (NITAGs): Guidance for their establishment and strengthening
Vaccine. Volume 28, Supplement 1, Pages A18-A25 (19 April 2010) - open access - The Role of National Advisory Committees in Supporting Evidence-Based Decision Making for National Immunization Programs.
Vaccine. Volume 28, Supplement 1, Pages A1-A110 (19 April 2010) - open access
This content was last updated on 24 August 2023.