7 reported per million doses administered) was similar to that found in seasonal influenza vaccination and preliminary pandemic (H1N1) vaccination in the United States [33] (Table 2). Analyses in LAC have shown a baseline rate of 0.82 GBS cases

check details per 100,000 children aged less than 15 years [34]. There were 72 cases of anaphylaxis that were classified as related to vaccination; rate of 0.5 per million doses. Twenty-seven seizures (both febrile and non-febrile) were reported; rate of 0.19 per million doses (Table 2). Risk communication was a key component throughout the planning and implementation of pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination campaigns. PAHO’s guidelines included risk communication strategies for countries to prepare for anticipated vaccine shortages and to focus their vaccination efforts on specific high risk groups [35] As the pandemic evolved and rumors related to vaccine safety emerged, risk communication again became critical to promote the importance

of pandemic influenza vaccine as a safe means to reduce morbidity and mortality among high risk groups. A group of experts in risk communication was convened to support selected countries in their social communication and crisis management activities (Bolivia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Paraguay, and Suriname). Countries faced challenges in the accurate estimation of some high risk groups to be vaccinated during campaigns. Many of the target populations for pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination were not traditionally targeted by immunization programs, such as individuals with chronic medical conditions. In many countries, systematic information for campaign PLX-4720 mouse planning was not available. Population estimates for people with chronic conditions also varied greatly across LAC, and denominators were generally underestimated, resulting in many countries reporting coverage well over 100%. Defining the order of priority of different Bacterial neuraminidase chronic health conditions was another challenge which will be important to consider during future pandemic

planning. Many countries initially made conservative estimates of health care workers and planned to vaccinate mainly first responders. However, during the implementation of vaccination campaigns, as more vaccine became available, additional health care workers were often vaccinated, resulting in some countries reporting coverage >100%, as original denominators were never adjusted. PAHO’s weekly reporting of the advances in national pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination and reported ESAVI served to monitor progress and disseminate information to interested parties. This information sharing was only achieved through diligent and voluntary country reporting. It would be necessary to formalize such regular reporting as a standard practice for the common good during future situations involving mass vaccination campaigns. The experience with pandemic influenza (H1N1) revealed the importance of including immunization as an integral part of pandemic planning.