US review of childhood vaccination recommendations impacts vaccine confidence – MQHZ

Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has taken note of the recent decision by the United States administration to review childhood vaccination recommendations, including proposals to reduce the number of routinely recommended vaccines and separate the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

In an interview with 5FM News, MQHZ Executive Director Dr. Quince Mwabu believes that while this is a policy matter for the United States, the debate has wider implications for vaccine confidence and public understanding of immunisation, including in Zambia.

Dr. Mwabu said Zambia should not change or reduce its childhood immunisation programme simply because of developments in another country. Our vaccination policies must be guided by Zambia’s public-health needs, disease burden and the best available scientific evidence.

He emphasized that For now, MQHZ supports maintaining Zambia’s existing evidence based immunisation programme, while allowing the Ministry of Health and its technical partners to periodically review the schedule when new evidence, changing disease patterns or public health needs warrant such a review. WHO maintains a country specific vaccination schedule for Zambia based on national reporting.