GNN monthly update: March - April 24'

Dear all,

I am opening this monthly update with the opportunity to apply to be a SAGE member. The call for application is still open until May 8^th and this is a unique opportunity to bring your wealth of knowledge and expertise while growing competencies and contributing to global policy-making. NITAG members are highly encourage to apply.

Pneumococcal vaccines:

• Canada: Following a thorough review of the evidence for Pneu-C-15 and Pneu-C-20 vaccines, and analyzing their potential impact on reducing pneumococcal disease among children in Canada, NACI has made the following strong recommendations:
• Either Pneu-C-15 or Pneu-C-20 should be the current product of choice for routine immunization programs in children less than 5 years of age who are not at increased risk of IPD.
• Pneu-C-20 should be the product of choice for routine immunization programs in children less than 5 years of age who are at increased risk of IPD.

The full recommendations can be found here along with the Economic Evidence Supplementary Appendix.

Chikungunya Vaccine:

• ACIP (USA) recommends chikungunya vaccine for persons aged ≥18 years traveling to a country or territory where there is a chikungunya outbreak

In addition, chikungunya vaccine may be considered for the following persons traveling to a country or territory without an outbreak but with evidence of chikungunya virus transmission among humans within the last 5 years

• Persons aged >65 years, particularly those with underlying medical conditions, who are likely to have at least moderate exposure* to mosquitoes, OR
• Persons staying for a cumulative period of 6 months or more

*Moderate exposure could include travelers who might have at least 2 weeks (cumulative) of exposure to mosquitoes in indoor or outdoor settings

• ACIP recommends chikungunya vaccine for laboratory workers with potential for exposure to chikungunya virus

Measles:

• NIAC (Ireland) updated its recommendations for the vaccination of adults against measles. Available here.

RSV:

• ATAGI (Australia) has provided clinical advice on the use of Nirsevimab (Beyfortus, Sanofi-Aventis) for the prevention of severe disease due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in infants. The statement is available here.
• CAVEI (Chile) recommends not to incorporate programmatic vaccination against RSV in pregnant women until greater evidence on safety and feasibility for adherence is documented and to monitor the implementation and impact of RSV vaccination in pregnant women on an international level. CAVEI also recommends to evaluate the impact of the incorporation of the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab in the EPI. Full report here.

SAGE and RITAGs:

• The call for new SAGE members is open: the link is here
• The call for experts to serve on the SAGE Working Group on typhoid vaccines is open: the link is here
• Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published its open call for experts for PAHO's Strategic Advisory Group on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. All details are available on this link

Publications:

• Efficacy, effectiveness and safety of HPV vaccination in women with conisation: a systematic review and meta-analyses, available here.
• Systematic review update on the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of newer and enhanced seasonal influenza vaccines for the prevention of laboratory confirmed influenza in individuals aged 18 years and over, available here.
• The Vaccine position paper on Dengue is scheduled to be published on the 3^rd of May
• The vaccine position paper on Malaria is scheduled to be published on the 10^th of May

Dates for your diary:

• The next GNN webinar is scheduled for May 6^th at 3pm Geneva time and the topic is Rabies. You can join: https://who.zoom.us/j/92437965351
• An alumni refresher vaccinology course is open to health care experts who have already been trained in a vaccinology course. 2 sessions are possible:
• 4-6 June (morning sessions)
• 11-13 June (afternoon sessions). More info here.

• The next face-to-face GNN meeting will be in 28-30 April 2025.

Best wishes,

Louise