Deadline for submission: 11:59pm on Saturday, 4th July 2026 Central European Time (GMT/UHC +1)
Overview
Vaccine preferred product characteristics (PPCs) published by the World Health Organization (WHO) describe preferred parameters pertaining to vaccine indications, target population, data collected for safety and efficacy evaluation, research and development (R&D) and immunization strategies. Selected disease areas are identified as WHO priorities based on the unmet public health need for vaccines, technical feasibility assessment and suitability for use in low- and middle-income countries.
Based on that experience, a WHO PPC for Strep A vaccines was developed in 2018. The current document provides an update of this PPC has been produced by WHO Product & Delivery Research Unit, together with a small expert writing group. Major revisions include the addition of early RHD as possible Phase 3 or post-licensure effectiveness endpoint, greater detail in the strategic goals and associated indications, and refinement of the efficacy targets. The PPC also more clearly cross-references the R&D roadmap, highlighting the research gaps that must be addressed to advance the product pipeline.
Of note, while PPCs are not formal WHO guidelines, they represent the best current understanding of what data will be needed for vaccine recommendations.
Objective of the consultation
The goal of this online, open public consultation is to gather feedback from stakeholders on the draft WHO Preferred Product Characteristics for Strep A vaccines.
Please provide comments on the draft using the comment form posted on this webpage. Comments are invited in particular on overall clarity, usability, and any gaps in preferred product characteristic considerations developed in the document. You may provide feedback either for the entire document or only parts of it.
Comments may be publicly disclosed at a later stage of the review process; submission of comments will be considered as permission to publicly disclose the comment form. Submissions cannot be made anonymously. In order to make a submission, you will be required to provide valid responses to questions that ask your full name, your organizational affiliation (if any), your role (job title), your country of residence, your personal email address OR your organizational email address (if submitting on behalf of an organization). Submissions that are not accompanied by valid responses to these questions may not be accepted for consideration. We will not reveal any individual participants’ information or affiliations. We do not intend to publish the ‘raw information’ from the individual responses. Comments may be submitted by individuals or organizations, and can be submitted in English or French.
By participating, you consent to providing your personal information and comments to the WHO to contact you, if needed.
Please download the feedback form "StrepAPPCFB" and send your comments to vaccines@who.int with the subject line “Comments on draft Strep A PPC” by no later than Saturday, 4th July 2026. Input received from this public consultation will be carefully reviewed and will contribute to the refinement and finalization of the document.
For any query related to the consultation, please contact vaccines@who.int with subject "Strep A PPC public consultation".
Comments on the Draft Guidance must be submitted by 11:59pm on Saturday, 4th July 2026, Central European Time (GMT/UHC +1).