WFPHA Statement on COVID-19 Immunization and Equitable Access to Vaccines

Dear Colleagues,

The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) and its International Immunization Policy Taskforce, share with you the WFPHA Statement on COVID-19 Immunization and Equitable Access to Vaccines (English updated Version). The statement is now available also in French, Spanish, and Portuguese.

We consider this statement as an international "standard" to be adopted by each of you when approaching national and regional authorities. We are confident that this statement in different languages will facilitate your advocacy activities and we are keen to support our members in this efforts.

Immunization is one of the most successful public health measures of modern times. Annually immunization prevents an estimated 2.5 million deaths globally and reduces disease-specific treatment costs. For all the devastation caused by COVID-19, an important lesson is that the balance needs to shift from treating disease to preventing it. Specific to COVID-19, almost everyone is at risk and may require vaccination if given the opportunity. Hence, it is likely that demand will surpass supply. The concern of the WFPHA International Immunization Policy Task Force is the tendency for the rich to acquire and pay for the limited supply of available efficacious vaccines to the detriment of the at-risk populations in low income settings. Therefore, the WFPHA International Immunization Policy Task Force provides some recommendations in the statement.

The statement is available on the WFPHA website here.
For more detailed information on the WFPHA International Immunization Policy Task Force, please visit WFPHA website here: https://www.wfpha.org/wfpha-projects/14-projects/369-international-immunization-policy-taskforce

Should you have any questions, comments or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Stay Safe; Stay Healthy.

World Federation of Public Health Associations