The structure, role, and procedures of Korean expert committee on immunization practices
So Yun Lim,
Han Wool Kim,
Young June Choe,
Bin Ahn,
Hyun Mi Kang,
Jiyoung Park,
Geun Yong Kwon,
Seung Ho Lee,
Sunghee Kwon,
Eun Hwa Choi
Affiliations
So Yun Lim
Department of Infectious Diseases, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Han Wool Kim
Department of Pediatrics, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Republic of Korea
Young June Choe
Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Bin Ahn
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Hyun Mi Kang
Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Vaccine Bio Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Jiyoung Park
Department of Pediatrics, Korea University Ansan Hospital
Geun Yong Kwon
Division of Immunization Planning, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Seung Ho Lee
Division of Immunization Planning, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Sunghee Kwon
Division of Immunization Planning, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
Eun Hwa Choi
Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Republic of Korea; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Corresponding author at: Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03080, South Korea.
Vaccination is a cornerstone of public health, preventing infectious diseases with significant contribution to human health. In South Korea, the Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) plays a pivotal role in guiding national vaccination policies. In this comprehensive review, we investigated the history, legal basis, operation, and achievements of the KECIP, highlighting its critical role in shaping the country's successful vaccination program.We analyze the KECIP's diverse responsibilities, including deliberating on national immunization programs, establishing vaccination criteria, managing targeted infectious diseases, and formulating eradication strategies. Also, we revealed its well-defined structure, specialized subcommittees, and ethical protocols that ensure transparency and integrity. Furthermore, we explored the KECIP's strategic evolution, showcasing its contributions to expanding vaccine coverage, implementing emergency approvals, and optimizing foundational vaccinations for all age groups as well as special populations including immunocompromised individuals.By combining scientific rigor, expert insights, and a commitment to public health, the KECIP had navigated the dynamic landscape of infectious disease control, contributing significantly to South Korea's impressive vaccination achievements.
