Practical Lessons for LMICs' Introduction of Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine

This note is based on the experience of several technical partners and consultants who have supported the preparations for the introduction of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine1 across sub-Saharan Africa in Q4 2021-Q1 2022. While the introduction of this vaccine represents a major opportunity to accelerate COVID-19 vaccination coverage, it also presents a number of risks. This note aims to share some lessons learned to date to support countries in their preparations. It should be taken as complimentary to existing guidance from Pfizer, COVAX/GAVI, and UNICEF/WHO. Ultimately, countries must plan based on their own contexts and some of the recommendations below may not be applicable in all cases.