The Lao Experience in Deploying Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Vaccine: Lessons Made Relevant in Preparing for Present Day Pandemic Threats.
The Lao PDR, as did most countries of the Mekong Region, embarked on a pandemic vaccine initiative to counter the threat posed by influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. Overall, estimated vaccine coverage of the Lao population was 14%, with uptake in targeted health care workers and pregnant women 99% and 41%, respectively. Adverse Events Following Immunization accounted for only 6% of survey driven, reported vaccination experiences, with no severe consequences or deaths. Public acceptability of the vaccine campaign was high (98%). Challenges to vaccine deployment included: 1) no previous experience in fielding a seasonal influenza vaccine, 2) safety and efficacy concerns, and 3) late arrival of vaccine 10 months into the pandemic. The Lao success in surmounting these hurdles was in large measure attributed to the oversight assigned the National Immunization Program, and national sensitivities in responding to the avian influenza A(H5N1) crisis in the years leading up to the pandemic. The Lao "lessons learned" from pandemic vaccine deployment are made even more relevant four years on, given the many avian influenza strains circulating in the region, all with pandemic potential.
National Immunization Program, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Anonh
A
Xeuatvongsa
Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Sara
S
Mirza
Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response Unit, World Health Organization-Western Pacific Region, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Christian
C
Winter
Expanded Program on Immunization, World Health Organization, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Keith
K
Feldon
National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Phengta
P
Vongphrachanh
National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Darouny
D
Phonekeo
Emerging Diseases Surveillance and Response Unit, World Health Organization-Western Pacific Region, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Justin
J
Denny
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Viengphone
V
Khanthamaly
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Bounheuang
B
Kounnavong
Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Doualy
D
Lylianou
Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Sisouphane
S
Phousavath
National Immunization Program, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
Sisouveth
S
Norasingh
Cabinet, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Nao
N
Boutta
Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Sonja
S
Olsen
Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Joseph
J
Bresee
Influenza Division, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
Ann
A
Moen
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Country Office, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Andrew
A
Corwin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053118:Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype / Q000276:immunology*; D007252:Influenza Vaccines; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007812:Laos; D008297:Male; D032541:Mass Vaccination; D008875:Middle Aged; D058873:Pandemics; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D007252:Influenza Vaccines