The Global Vaccine Safety Initiative (GVSI)

Background

In 2011, WHO and a group of partners developed a strategic document on vaccine safety called the Global Vaccine Safety Blueprint. This document sets out indicators that aim to ensure that all countries have at least a minimal capacity to ensure vaccine safety.

The Blueprint proposes a strategic plan for strengthening vaccine safety activities globally.
It focuses on building national capacity for vaccine safety in the world’s poorest countries through the coordinated efforts of major stakeholders.

The Blueprint was developed through a worldwide consultation of experts who defined its mission, vision and goals.

The Global Vaccine Safety Initiative, or GVSI, was set up to implement the Blueprint strategy. This comprises a framework of eight strategic objectives aimed at enhancing global vaccine safety activities. The strategic objectives focus on building and supporting a systemic approach to vaccine pharmacovigilance in all low- and middle-income countries.

Blueprint objectives 1–4 relate directly to the components of vaccine pharmacovigilance. Blueprint objectives 5–8 cover supporting elements that must be in place for the vaccine safety system to function effectively.

The GVSI was set up to provide WHO and partners with a framework for enhancing vaccine pharmacovigilance.