Compiling evidence to guide policy decisions on the introduction of the influenza vaccine in Kenya

ID: 

18317

Session: 

Short oral session 10: Using evidence for decision making

Date: 

Friday 15 September 2017 - 11:00 to 12:30

Location: 

Meeting Room 1.61

All authors in correct order:

Dawa J1, Were F2, Maritim M2, Wangai K2, Githanga D2, Ongore D2, Gontier C2, Osano B2, Tuei J2, Gatheru Z2, Maree E2, Anyango E2, Muthoka P2, Kalani R2, Mutie D2, Tabu C2, Thuo S2, Lumba M2, Symekher L2, Agure S2, Kaboro S2, Wandera E3, Makayotto L3, Kadivane S3, Karanja J3, Muema J3, Mwatondo A3, Amukoye E2
1 University of Nairobi, Kenya
2 Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, Kenya
3 Ministry of Health, Kenya
Presenting author and contact person

Presenting author:

Jeanette Dawa

Contact person:

Jeanette Dawa
Abstract text
Background: The Kenya National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (KENITAG) was established by the Ministry of Health (MoH) to provide recommendations on national vaccine policy. In September 2014 the MoH requested a recommendation from KENITAG regarding introduction of the influenza vaccine into Kenya’s national immunization programme.

Objectives: To generate a sufficient body of evidence to guide KENITAG deliberations on the introduction of the influenza vaccine into Kenya’s national immunization programme.
Methods: KENITAG members developed a recommendation framework to identify key data elements that would be used to guide the deliberations on introduction of the vaccine. Elements in the recommendation framework covering the aspects of i) the disease ii) vaccine and immunisation characteristics iii) economic and operational considerations and iv) health policy and programmatic issues were ranked as either critical, important or non-critical to the deliberations. Literature searches for Kenyan data on the elements described in the recommendation framework were undertaken. The quality of identified articles was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool.
Results: Some data were obtained on most of the critical and important elements of the recommendation framework, however, there were significant gaps in knowledge in the national burden of influenza disease, the socio-economic effects of influenza disease and the programmatic requirements of an influenza vaccine programme. By 2016, there was insufficient local data to conclusively finalise KENITAG deliberations on whether to introduce the influenza vaccine into the national immunisation programme.
Conclusions: The use of evidence to guide policy decisions is limited by the availability of good quality local data. Additional data on the burden of influenza in specific age groups, and across different regional areas in the country, the socio-economic impact of the disease and programmatic considerations of a national vaccination program are required to conclude KENITAG deliberations on whether to introduce the influenza vaccine into Kenya’s national immunisation programme.