A global look at national Immunization Technical Advisory Groups.

This paper presents the results of a global survey that aimed to collect information on country's immunization policy development processes, particularly on the presence and function of national Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (ITAGs). Characteristics of national ITAGs are described as well as attributes of these groups that appear to be imperative for an effective ITAG. ITAGs provide a valued service to over 89 countries that reported their establishment, some of which have been in existence for over 40 years. This paper provides basic information on the functioning of these groups and encourages future efforts to address gaps in knowledge and research in this area.