In many countries national immunisation programmes are the backbone of primary health care and represent a substantial share in health-care expenditures. Therefore, the introduction and use of a vaccine in a public health programme require a strategic decision resulting in a long-term commitment. Governments rely on the expertise of independent technical expert panels such as National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) to inform their decisions. Evidence-based, independent, transparent, and timely recommendations made by NITAGs are instrumental to the success of both current and future immunisation programmes. Moreover, during health crises, they are pivotal in contributing to guiding outbreak responses and participating in pandemic recovery efforts.
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