title: Unequal access to vaccines in the WHO European Region during the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic in 2009.
abstract: In a severe pandemic, rapid production and deployment of vaccines will potentially be critical in mitigating the impact on populations and essential services. We compared access to vaccines and timing of delivery relative to identification of A(H1N1)pdm09 and the geographic progression of the pandemic in the WHO European Region in order to identify gaps in provision. Information on vaccine procurement and donations was collected through a web-based survey conducted in all 53 member states of the Region. Among the 51 countries responding to the survey, the majority (84%) implemented vaccination campaigns against A(H1N1)pdm09. However, time of vaccine receipt and number of doses varied substantially across the region, with delayed access in many countries especially in those in the lowest income range. Improving access to influenza vaccines in low resource countries and solving issues of product liability should help reduce inequalities and operational challenges arising during a future public health crisis.
authors.affiliation: World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark. pej@euro.who.int
authors.forename: Pernille
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Jorgensen
authors.forename: Annemarie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wasley
authors.forename: Jolita
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mereckiene
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Cotter
authors.forename: J Todd
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Caroline Sarah
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D003625:Data Collection; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000458:organization & administration; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
chemical_list: D007252:Influenza Vaccines
keywords: A(H1N1)pdm09; Influenza; Pandemic; Vaccines