International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC)

Mission   To accelerate global access to life-saving vaccines through development and implementation of evidence-based policies.   Evidence > Policy > Access   This seemingly simple equation is the basis for a strong global immunization program capable of saving millions of lives each year. However, the adoption of new vaccines in developing countries has historically been delayed by a combination of incomplete epidemiological information, outdated policies, and market barriers. Each year that access to vaccines is delayed, millions of children pay with their lives. The International Vaccine Access Center (IVAC) aims to stem the tide by accelerating access to vaccines for children in every corner of the world through data-driven policy making.   Putting Their Mission Into Action   The time between vaccine development and vaccine introduction in the developing world can be shortened by targeting key decision-makers with irrefutable evidence of the value of vaccines. IVAC capitalizes on its experience with the highly successful Pneumococcal Vaccine Accelerated Development and Introduction Plan (PneumoADIP) and Hib Initiative projects that were based at the School. These projects, both supported by the Gavi Alliance, have helped to accelerate the uptake of Hib and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Together with rotavirus, also deadly but vaccine-preventable, all three diseases claim the lives of more than 1.5 million children a year. Vaccines for these diseases have been widely used in rich countries for years, while children in poor countries have gone without.   IVAC’s work to strengthen the evidence base for vaccine introduction includes undertaking targeted, policy-focused research in areas such as disease burden, cost effectiveness, vaccine policy, demand forecasting, and disease epidemiology.   Teams   IVAC has five teams that work together to support our mission: Epidemiology; Economics & Finance; Operations Research; Policy, Advocacy, & Communications; and Operations.   IVAC's Partners and Supporters   IVAC projects are made possible with support from institutions, foundations, and industry.   Their partners also include PATH, The World Health Organization, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Global Coalition Against Child Pneumonia, research centers, and universities around the globe.