J Korean Med Sci.  2024 Jun;39(21):e166. 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e166.

Expert Consensus on the Structure, Role, and Procedures of the Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices

• Kang CR
• Ahn B
• Choe YJ
• Lim SY
• Kim HW
• Kang HM
• Park JY
• Lee H
• Lee S
• Jeong S
• Kwon S
• Choi EH

• KMID: 2556288
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e166

Abstract

Background
The Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Methods
This study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP.
Results
The majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP’s term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers’ perspectives, and the chairperson’s role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee.
Conclusion
This study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP’s capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.

Keyword

Vaccine; Immunization; Evidence; Policy; Korea

Reference

1. Cho HY, Kim CH, Go UY, Lee HJ. Immunization decision-making in the Republic of Korea: the structure and functioning of the Korea Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Vaccine. 2010; 28(Suppl 1):A91–A95. PMID: 20413006.

2. Lee JK, Choi WS. Immunization policy in Korea. Infect Chemother. 2008; 40(1):14–23.

3. Kahn AL, Steffen CA, Henaff L, MacDonald NE, Morgan C, Faden R, et al. COVID-19 vaccine policy development in a sample of 44 countries - key findings from a December 2021 survey of National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs). Vaccine. 2023; 41(3):676–683. PMID: 36494252.

4. Duclos P. National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs): guidance for their establishment and strengthening. Vaccine. 2010; 28(Suppl 1):A18–A25. PMID: 20412991.

5. Cho HY. An overview of the national immunization policy making process: the role of the Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices. Korean J Pediatr. 2012; 55(1):1–5. PMID: 22359523.

6. Walton LR, Orenstein WA, Pickering LK. The history of the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Vaccine. 2015; 33(3):405–414. PMID: 25446820.

7. O’Mahony JF, Paulden M. Appraising the cost-effectiveness of vaccines in the UK: insights from the Department of Health Consultation on the revision of methods guidelines. Vaccine. 2019; 37(21):2831–2837. PMID: 31000411.

8. Nolan TM. The Australian model of immunization advice and vaccine funding. Vaccine. 2010; 28(Suppl 1):A76–A83. PMID: 20413003.