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Immunization and vaccines related implementation research advisory committee (IVIR-AC)

Terms of reference

Background

The Quantitative Immunization and Vaccines Related Research (QUIVER) Advisory Committee was established in 2007 with the main responsibility of reviewing quantitative methods in vaccine related research and to advise the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) on their relevance and applicability.

Given the importance of implementation research in immunization, the Department felt it necessary to enhance the functions of this advisory group to also include implementation research in addition to the existing functions of reviewing and advising on quantitative methods in vaccine research. Therefore, in the last meeting of QUIVER in October 2011, the proposal was endorsed and the Initiative for Vaccine Research (IVR) proceeded with the revision of the terms of reference and membership composition.

Specific functions

IVIR-AC has no executive, regulatory or decision-making function. Its sole role is to provide advice and recommendations to Director, IVB specifically on the following areas:

• Matters related to implementation research and their relevance to immunization policies and practices.
• Agenda setting and prioritization of implementation research in immunization which may include identifying potential research projects/issues and, where necessary, also reviewing the proposed methodologies for conducting such research.
• Review progress of implementation research and advise/guide researcher/research groups as appropriate.
• Review best practices relating to methods for conducting and reporting on quantitative immunization and vaccines-related research.
• Facilitate and participate, where appropriate, in IVIR-AC subcommittees or expert working groups as required to address specific subjects in greater depth before review by IVIR-AC, and guide the work of such groups towards the stated objectives.

Relation to other advisory bodies, expert groups, technical committees

Relation to SAGE: IVIR-AC meeting conclusions will be reported by the IVIR-AC Chair to SAGE. At the same time IVIR-AC will review outcomes of SAGE meetings and decisions in order to complement and support the work of SAGE.

Relation to IPAC: The work of the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee is important for IVIR-AC. Therefore, as far as possible, the secretariat will ensure that there is complementarity and regular interaction between the two advisory committees.