COVID-19 vaccination implementation in six lower- and middle-income countries: Successes, challenges, and lessons for pandemic preparedness

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to rapidly deploy vaccines, target adult populations, and integrate the COVID-19 vaccine into existing vaccination programs. This evaluation examined COVID-19 vaccination implementation and planning experiences of six LMICs. We aimed to identify common strategies and investments contributing to country-level readiness to scale up COVID-19 vaccination and gaps in pandemic preparedness. In-depth interviews were conducted with national COVID-19 vaccination program representatives from Côte d’Ivoire, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Pakistan, the Philippines, and Zambia. Interview questions covered activities, barriers, and facilitators related to vaccine integration; planning and financing; digital systems; vaccine infrastructure and delivery; adult immunization; the health workforce; and demand and communications. We used the framework analysis method to establish key themes from the recorded data and categorize our results. Countries with influenza vaccine platforms leveraged these to reach adults with COVID-19 vaccines. Community-based platforms were viewed to be an effective approach to vaccinate prioritized populations. Stand-alone delivery platforms and data systems for COVID-19 vaccination were viewed as inefficient and not cost-effective, and vaccine supply delays and shortages were a major issue. Participants highlighted that integrated planning, management, and financing for vaccination activities facilitated the COVID-19 vaccine roll out, and that National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups filled a gap by providing guidance on prioritizing populations for vaccination. Health workers were viewed as key influencers of vaccine uptake by patients and their vaccination was believed by participants to improve public trust in COVID-19 vaccines. These findings informed the following priority areas for targeted investment and technical support. 1. Improve vaccine procurement and supply. 2. Integrate financing and management of national vaccination programs broadly. 3. Digitize and integrate data systems. 4. Build health workforce capacity. 5. Establish and expand adult and life-course vaccination, including health workers. 6. Address hesitancy and misinformation.