Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) Immunization Guidelines: An Update (2023)

Abstract

The Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) Guidelines for Childhood Immunisation were first published in 2012 as a follow-up to a position paper submitted to the Nigerian government in 2008. These guidelines are long overdue for updating since their lifespan has exceeded the recommended five years. New evidence and information have accrued, and new vaccines have emerged to prevent old and new diseases. The updated guidelines, while ensuring compliance with international best practices, are intended to guide the use of vaccines in the country as a whole (both within the national guidelines and outside the national guidelines) as well as ensure that the use of vaccines is timely, comprehensive and in tandem with empirical evidence. The updated guideline is intended for use by the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigerian Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Paediatricians and other healthcare workers in private and public institutions, parents, other key policymakers and vaccine funders.