Abstract

2025 began with major announcements that will have significant repercussions on public health, both globally and at the country level. Some will be directly affected while others will see their programs come to a standstill—impacting the very populations we are committed to protecting. Now more than ever, we must come together, support one another, and navigate these challenges collectively.

I regret to announce that the GNN meeting, initially scheduled for April 2025, is postponed. I will communicate new dates as soon as I can. Rest assured, my commitment remains steadfast in advancing the priority activities we have identified for the GNN, which include:

  • The NITAG session at SAGE (March)
  • The online learning journey 
  • The Impact framework for twinning 
  • And of course the touchpoints with the GNN community (be it through webinars, emails, survey)

Good news: WHO HQ and NITAG focal points at regional offices published an article highlighting the Twelve Years of Progress (2012–2023) in strengthening NITAGs:  https://www.mdpi.com/2076-393X/13/1/80

PCV:

  • The French NITAG issued recommendations for expanding eligibility criteria for pneumococcal vaccination in adults, available in French here. ¨
  • JCVI (UK NITAG) will discuss PCV 15 vs 20 in infant programme at their February meeting.¨
  • NACI (Candadian NITAG) published their Recommendations on the use of pneumococcal vaccines in adults, including PNEU-C-21, available here.

COVID-19:

  • NACI issued their Guidance on the use of COVID-19 vaccines for 2025 to summer 2026. The summary of NACI statement is available here and the full guidance here.
  • CAVEI (Chile NITAG) released its recommendations for the 2025 annual COVID vaccination, available in Spanish here.

Mpox:

  • The Swedish NITAG updated the recommendations for mpox vaccination due to increased spread of clade 1. The updated vaccine recommendations concern individuals traveling to countries with ongoing community-based mpox-virus clade 1 transmission and are at increased risk for exposure to mpox. Recommendations are available here.

GNN:

  • The GNN launched the NITAG secretariat survey which is open until February 9th. If you have not received it, please let me know. We expect more than 80 countries respondents – I count on you!

SAGE:

  • Hepatitis E: following the SAGE session in 2024, the Systematic Review on Immunogenicity, Efficacy, and Effectiveness of Two-Dose and Shorter Schedules of Hepatitis E Vaccine was published here.

WHO:

  • WHO has just published the Targeted and selective strategies in measles and rubella vaccination campaigns interim guidance, available here. 
  • WHO is looking for new experts to join the Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC) (6 spots opening up). WHO welcomes expressions of interest from scientists, public health professionals, pediatricians, and regulators with expertise the following areas:
  • Infectious diseases, particularly TB, malaria, ESKAPE pathogens, GAS, GBS, STIs, NTDs and enteric and diarrheal diseases.
  • Former vaccine or biotherapeutic product development in industry.
  • Epidemiology and burden of disease modelling.
  • Vaccine impact modelling.
  • Vaccine policy expertise.
  • Immunization programmatic expertise.
  • Clinical trial design and biostatistics.
  • Knowledge of product development for novel vaccine delivery devices.
  • Expertise in vaccine platforms.

See here for more information about the call for experts and how to apply: https://www.who.int/news-room/articles-detail/call-for-experts-product-development-for-vaccines-advisory-committee-(pdvac)-2025
Applications close on 28 February 2025.

  • WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi launched a survey to help shape a collective vision for the Future of Immunization by 2050. The survey is available in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Deadline: 7 February.

Dates for your diary:

  • The next GNN webinar is on February 26th at 1.30 pm on DTP and results of the Off-label survey. Invitation will be shared shortly. 
  • The next SAGE meeting will be in 10-13 March 2025. Agenda is available here.
  • The GNN meeting initially scheduled for 28-30 April is rescheduled to a later date. 
  • NITAG Recommendation