LOOK AT THIS IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN:
Assessing the benefits and risks of continued routine childhood immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Africa region.
HOW YOU CAN USE THIS MATERIAL:
Stakeholders and decision makers can use the estimated benefit–risk ratios contained in this study to determine whether sustaining routine childhood immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic is appropriate and what service delivery adaptations should be considered.
OVERVIEW:
The aim of this study is to compare the health benefits of sustaining routine childhood immunization in Africa with the risk of acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection through visiting routine vaccination service delivery points.
Key Points:
- The deaths prevented by sustaining routine childhood immunization in Africa outweigh the excess risk of COVID-19 deaths associated with vaccination clinic visits, especially for the vaccinated children.
- Routine childhood immunization should be sustained in Africa as much as possible, while considering other factors such as logistical constraints, staff shortages, and reallocation of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The current immunization service models will require adaptation, including physical distancing measures, personal protective equipment, and good hygiene practices for infection control at the vaccination clinics.