COVID-19 Vaccination Integration, Innovations and Key Populations: Results from a Global Survey

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems in low- and middle-income countries. In the “post-pandemic” era, integration of COVID-19 vaccination into routine service delivery can potentially create efficiencies and provide lessons for future pandemic preparedness. Following two global surveys conducted in November 2021 and May 2022, Management Sciences for Health and the COVID-19 Vaccine Delivery Partnership Working Group surveyed 20 respondents from 17 countries regarding COVID-19 vaccine integration, pandemic innovations and vaccinating priority populations. The survey ran between May and June 2023 after the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 pandemic over. Responses detailed vaccine integration into primary healthcare and demonstrated a shift from mass vaccination to routine service delivery. However, several countries still used resource-intensive delivery methods and continued to target priority populations. Use of digital innovations has declined as the pandemic has ended. Further research should investigate benefits and strategies to integrate existing and future vaccinations into routine services.