The team from the Institute of Immunoprophylaxis, Beijing Center for Disease Prevention and Control published an experimental study entitled “Evaluation of the preservation effect of a transfer medium for Streptococcus pneumoniae” in China Public Health (Vol. 28, No. 10, October 2022). The study evaluated the preservation effect of a transfer medium, skim milk tryptone glucose glycerol (STGG), on Streptococcus pneumoniae, and revealed that STGG medium was more effective than THY freezing solution, and -80°C was more favorable for the preservation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in STGG medium.
Closing the immunization gap: Overcoming barriers for new vaccine introduction in Southeast and South Asia
This review, conducted by Innovation Lab for Vaccine Delivery Research (VaxLab) from Duke Kunshan University, was published in Vaccine. The study systematically compares the status of new vaccine introduction within national immunization programs across 13 countries in Southeast and South Asia, with a particular focus on differences associated with Gavi funding eligibility. The findings show that countries eligible for Gavi’s middle-income country (MIC) support approach lag behind in introducing key vaccines such as pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine. Major barriers include underdeveloped evidence-based decision-making processes, limited domestic financing, high vaccine prices, and gaps in immunization system readiness. This article highlights the need to strengthen governance and sustainable financing mechanisms, optimize resource use, and leverage targeted technical support from global partners to accelerate equitable access to life-saving vaccines and advance the Immunization Agenda 2030.
