UNITAG Updated Recommendation on Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

UNITAG came to the following recommendations:
i. Pfizer BioNTech vaccine (BNT162b2) should be introduced in Uganda for use in persons aged 12 years and over.
ii. The Ministry of Health should strengthen the laboratory and surveillance system in Uganda to regularly monitor the circulating variants of concern among the population.
iii. The Ministry of Health should strengthen the cold chain system particularly in urban areas, in preparation for roll out of Pfizer vaccine. Health workers should be adequately trained in how to handle and administer this vaccine.
iv. The Ministry of Health should ensure equity in vaccine distribution, to ensure that all persons eligible for vaccination have access to vaccines. The UNITAG recommended framework for vaccination prioritization should be used in selecting eligible persons for vaccination.

Additional consideration
i. UNITAG in collaboration with Ministry of Health is working to review the updated disease epidemiology data, with a view of updating the vaccination prioritization recommendation based on updated evidence.