OPV Switch Communication Planning Guide Why this document? The Polio Endgame Plan requires the removal of all OPVs in the long term, beginning with a switch from trivalent OPV (tOPV) to bivalent OPV (bOPV), removing the type 2 component (OPV 2) from immunization programmes. To meet the April 2016 timeline for the Switch, it is imperative that all OPV-using countries begin Switch planning during Q1, 2015 and finalize a budgeted National Switch Plan by September 1, 2015. Given the technical nature of the OPV switch, this document emphasises a approach in that, – audiences and communication approaches for OPV switch communications need to be strategically selected and engaged. Based on the risks involved, community and household level OPV switch communication is not recommended. If absolutely required, then it should be framed within the context of routine immunisation and the Polio Endgame Plan in order to avoid confusion arising from the technicalities related to the OPV switch. However for crisis communication efforts, community leaders and influencers will need to be strategically involved to address rumours and misinformation. Timely evidence based communication planning and implementation will be key to the success of the National Switch Plan. Effective planning and implementation will increase the probability of the successful and validated removal and disposal of tOPV, minimize tOPV wastage, and help ensure a world free of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses type 2. What is included in this document? This document builds on the and suggests risk-informed strategic communication processes and to use for developing communication plans as part of National Switch Plans. It is recognized that country needs will vary and their plans should be adapted to meet local implementation needs. Throughout this document there will be references to the IPV Introduction Communications Planning Guide, so readers are encouraged to keep this within reach. Who will benefit from this This guide is designed to help immunization practitioners, particularly communication specialists at national and subnational levels, develop and implement communication strategies, plans and activities for the OPV switch.
OPV Switch Communication Planning Guide Why this document? The Polio Endgame Plan requires the removal of all OPVs in the long term, beginning with a switch from trivalent OPV (tOPV) to bivalent OPV (bOPV), removing the type 2 component (OPV 2) from immunization programmes. To meet the April 2016 timeline for the Switch, it is imperative that all OPV-using countries begin Switch planning during Q1, 2015 and finalize a budgeted National Switch Plan by September 1, 2015. Given the technical nature of the OPV switch, this document emphasises a approach – in that, audiences and communication approaches for OPV switch communications need to be strategically selected and engaged. Based on the risks involved, community and household level OPV switch communication is not recommended. If absolutely required, then it should be framed within the context of routine immunisation and the Polio Endgame Plan in order to avoid confusion arising from the technicalities related to the OPV switch. However for crisis communication efforts, community leaders and influencers will need to be strategically involved to address rumours and misinformation. Timely evidence based communication planning and implementation will be key to the success of the National Switch Plan. Effective planning and implementation will increase the probability of the successful and validated removal and disposal of tOPV, minimize tOPV wastage, and help ensure a world free of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses type 2. What is included in this document? This document builds on the and suggests risk-informed strategic communication processes and to use for developing communication plans as part of National Switch Plans. It is recognized that country needs will vary and their plans should be adapted to meet local implementation needs. Throughout this document there will be references to the IPV Introduction Communications Planning Guide, so readers are encouraged to keep this within reach. Who will benefit from this This guide is designed to help immunization practitioners, particularly communication specialists at national and subnational levels, develop and implement communication strategies, plans and activities for the OPV switch.