Instructions for the Preparation of the Expanded Program of Immunization Annual Action Plan

The annual action plan of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) is a management tool for programming and control, which facilitates the prioritization of activities for the efficient and timely achievement of objectives and goals.

The preparation of an action plan makes it possible to: 1) implement activities in accordance with the objectives and strategies designed within the programmed timeframe; 2) harmonize actions and actors around a common objective; 3) obtain and commit the necessary resources; and 4) monitor and evaluate progress toward the proposed objectives, so that adjustments can be made if necessary. The action plan is a dynamic working instrument that needs to be continuously reviewed and evaluated.

Although each country has its own planning process, this guide will review some general planning concepts that are common to all countries in the Region. The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently preparing guidelines for the formulation of multi-year action plans, which will respond to the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP). The GVAP, as a new framework, seeks equitable access to existing vaccines for all people in all communities by setting out five goals and six strategic objectives.