Immunization in practice: a practical guide for health staff

Overview

Immunization in practice: a guide for health workers is a core technical resource developed to support the implementation and improvement of immunization services globally. As immunization programmes expand to address new diseases, adapt to novel vaccine technologies and respond to changing demographic and epidemiological trends, the need for clear, practical and up-to-date guidance for health workers remains critical.

Immunization in practice: a guide for health workers updates the content of two previous publications – Immunization in practice: a practical guide for health staff (2015 update) and Immunization in practice: a practical guide for health staff (2001 update).

This guide reflects both longstanding immunization principles and the most recent recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO). Reflecting the dynamic landscape of immunization, this edition incorporates newly available vaccines and expands on vital topics such as catch-up vaccination, reducing missed opportunities and integrating gender-sensitive approaches into service delivery. Each module in this guide addresses a distinct aspect of immunization services – from planning and service delivery to monitoring and community engagement. The content is designed for use by health workers at the facility and district levels, with practical tools to strengthen and support their day-to-day work. This publication also supports training and capacity building and serves as a reference for supervisors and programme managers.

Notably, this publication embraces the concept of life course vaccination, emphasizing that immunization is essential not only for infants and children, but also for adolescents, adults and older populations. The publication supports an inclusive approach to protecting communities across all stages of life.

The following modules have been substantially changed from the previous version (2015):

• Module 1: Diseases and vaccines
• Module 2: The vaccine cold chain
• Module 4: Microplanning for reaching every community
• Module 7: Building community support

The following modules contain minor changes to previous information:

• Module 3: Ensuring safe injections and management of immunization waste
• Module 5: Managing an immunization session
• Module 6: Monitoring and surveillance

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For other queries or Word files please contact vaccines@who.int

French version coming soon.

Powerpoint slideset coming soon.