Heterologous vaccine regimen: Stakeholder acceptance and implementation considerations

Heterologous vaccine regimens deliver antigens through different components or vector types at sequential time points. Clinical development shows promising results and several candidates may be progressing to licensure in the coming years. This study aimed exploring future acceptance uptake of such (also called heterologous prime-boost) identify implementation-associated benefits challenges. Survey tools were developed based on findings from a previous literature search shared with team, exploratory interviews global stakeholders. An online survey key informant six countries conducted stakeholders national sub-national level, including policy-makers, regulators implementers. The interview guide covered: (a) awareness of, knowledge about, regimens; (b) rating regimen-associated perceived challenges; (c) anticipation possible challenges relation four hypothetical introduction scenarios; (d) potential policy, health facility recipient level. Sixty-two was completed by 50 participants. Across scenarios, respondents considered highest for immunoprophylaxis among adolescents/adults diseases against which no vaccines are currently available. Most reservations related logistics, record keeping, compliance. Adding new regimen routine immunization calendar children feasible if it could generate an increased longer-term immune response. Introduction preparation following disease outbreak less favourably, stressing difficulty logistics emergency situations, lag onset protection. recent approval first prevention Ebola Virus Disease will soon bring light topic.