International Association of Immunization Managers (IAIM)
In June 2013, the Sabin Vaccine Institute announced the launch of the International Association of Immunization Managers (IAIM). With the support of a five-year grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IAIM’s goal is to help drive the achievement of national, regional and international immunization goals, including those in the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), by fostering forward-thinking and superior management of immunization programs.
Tremendous gains have been made in immunizations over the last 40 years. Smallpox has been eradicated, poliomyelitis eradication is in sight, and progress is being made in measles control. Global immunization coverage for basic vaccines is at its highest, and new vaccines are being added to immunization systems. However, challenges remain and will increase in complexity as new vaccines are added to immunization programs.
Immunization managers play a critical role in addressing these challenges, as they are the ones who must skillfully manage and integrate each of the elements of a successful immunization program: cost-effective and dependable procurement processes, reliable funding, an effective cold chain, consistent monitoring of vaccine safety and efficacy, effective surveillance systems, productive and proactive communication with the public, and well-trained health workers.
“How well an immunization manager performs his or her job can make the difference in whether the immunization program succeeds; yet these professionals often are not provided with the opportunities for training, peer-to-peer discussion and exchange and skill-building that they need to advance immunization programs. Therefore, it is both welcome and timely that we now have an international association for immunization program managers that can equip them with the right tools and professional network for the job.”
--Dr. David Salisbury
President, IAIM ad hoc Governing Council
IAIM is the first-ever international professional association for immunization managers. Its objectives are to establish a forum from which immunization managers can discuss and exchange best practices; build and support international and regional networks of immunization managers; and provide immunization managers with opportunities to develop their technical and leadership capacity. The main benefits IAIM will provide for its members include: convening international and regional meetings to provide a forum for discussion, access to training and cutting-edge information and networking opportunities; organizing peer-to-peer exchanges as a means of sharing success factors and problem-solving strategies among immunization managers; and creating an interactive website where members can access and share best practices, research, training and tools.
IAIM is a membership organization, and the target population includes immunization managers at the national and sub-national level from both the public and private sectors.
The Association has a governing body known as the Governing Council, which is composed of individuals from all parts of the world who are either current immunization managers or who have relevant leadership experience in immunizations.
Sabin serves as the Secretariat for the Association and executes its day-to-day operations. For more information on IAIM, please contact us at .
