Latin American forum on immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectology (SLIPE for its acronym in Spanish) is working hard to contribute with strategic actions to prevent the recurrence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and to prevent the reduction of vaccine coverage in the region of the Americas. Areas covered: On Friday, September 25th, a Latin American forum of experts on immunization services during the COVID-19 pandemic was held through Webex platform. Issues such as: the imminent risk of occurrence and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, the importance of epidemiological surveillance and the vaccination campaign challenges, in the context of a pandemic were discussed. Expert opinion: Vaccination campaigns should no longer be postponed or delayed; instead, they must be reactivated; governments, scientific societies, and physicians must promote vaccination programs to avoid outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. On the eve of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, it is necessary to insist on the availability of sufficient doses to avoid dose shortages in disadvantaged areas of the region.

Automated summary

The Latin American Society of Pediatric Infectology (SLIPE) is actively working to prevent the recurrence of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and to maintain vaccine coverage in the region. Experts emphasize the importance of vaccination campaigns, urging governments, scientific societies, and physicians to promote vaccination programs to prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. With the imminent arrival of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, ensuring sufficient doses availability in disadvantaged areas is crucial.