Abstract
Note from the GNN Secretariat
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to share the following global, regional and national updates relevant to the Global NITAG Network community:
Global updates
- WHO has published an updated position paper on COVID-19 vaccines (July 2026), providing revised recommendations for the use of COVID-19 vaccines in the context of ongoing SARS-CoV-2 circulation, high levels of population immunity, and the availability of variant-adapted vaccines.
- WHO has published an updated position paper on typhoid vaccines (August 2026), replacing the 2018 guidance and incorporating new evidence on typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs). The paper reviews data on vaccine effectiveness, population impact, duration of protection, booster doses, and antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella Typhi, and provides updated recommendations for national immunization programmes.
Regional Updates
Region of Africa
- VACFA NITAG Support Hub (NISH) Vaccinology Webinar Series for NITAGs in Africa: From Development to Deployment: Preparing for New TB Vaccines in Africa (23 September 2026, 12:00 SAST). Experts from WHO and African NITAGs will explore latest developments in TB vaccines, country readiness for vaccine introduction, and key policy and implementation considerations. (English, French, and Portuguese interpretation available).
Region of the Americas
- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) published Recommendations for the prevention and control of poliomyelitis in the Americas (June 2026).
Region of the Eastern Mediterranean:
- WHO’s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (EMRO) has launched calls for experts to join the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Certification Commission for Poliomyelitis Eradication (EM/RCC). The Regional Certification Commission (RCC) is an independent body of regional and global experts, appointed by and reporting directly to the WHO Regional Director. Their primary role is to verify and certify polio eradication (PE) in the Region. Deadline 25 September 2026.
National Updates
Ebola
- NACI (NITAG Canada) updated the Ebola virus vaccine chapter of the Canadian Immunization Guide (CIG) to reflect the current outbreak of Bundibugyo virus disease in Equatorial Africa. Available in English and French.
Pneumococcal disease
- NITAG France published their revised recommendations for pneumococcal vaccination including the use of PCV20/PCV21 in certain target groups. Available in French.
Varicella
- NITAG Argentina published their decision on a maximum age of 18 years for catch-up vaccination. See Meeting minutes in Spanish here.
Additional recommendations
- NITAG Slovenia published their Instructions for the Implementation of the Vaccination and Drug Protection Programme for 2026. Available in Slovenian.
- NITAG Brazil published their statement on multi-vaccination 2026, including the strategy for updating the vaccination records of children and adolescents aged < 15 years. Available in Portuguese.
Recent publications
- Publication on pneumococcal vaccination for adults
- A recent evaluation of a webinar-based Evidence-to-Recommendation (EtR) training approach for NITAGs found that peer learning and cross-country exchange can strengthen evidence-informed vaccine decision-making, accelerate recommendation development, and foster sustained collaboration between countries.
- The publication National immunisation recommendations: why country-specific evidence and context matter highlights that although NITAGs often draw on the same body of evidence regarding vaccine safety, efficacy, and effectiveness, policy recommendations may appropriately differ across countries due to variations in disease epidemiology, health economic considerations, health system capacity, programmatic feasibility, and societal preferences.
Best regards
Dr Philipp Lambach
World Health Organization
Antonia Pilic & Annika Falman
Robert Koch Institute
