All pandemic vaccines used in LAC were well tolerated and elicited mainly mild or moderate adverse reactions; surveillance efforts did not find signs of an increased risk of severe ESAVI, when compared with seasonal influenza vaccination. These data have several selleckchem limitations, principally that most ESAVI surveillance systems in LAC are passive, which can under-report the real frequency of ESAVI in the vaccinated population. Although efforts were made to support countries in their risk communication activities, work remains to be done to strengthen this important component. Many countries

faced a general mistrust of the pandemic influenza (H1N1)

vaccine due to widespread misinformation regarding vaccine safety and the use of adjuvant, among others. Many rumors began in developed countries and then spread to LAC countries through the media and social networks. For the success of future pandemic response efforts, pandemic preparedness plans need to include open and effective communication strategies to build public confidence and emphasize the importance of influenza vaccination. The first influenza pandemic of the 21st century resulted in many lessons learned. Globally, LAC was among the regions with the greatest implementation of pandemic vaccination, despite facing BGB324 chemical structure many challenges. Additional steps must now be taken, at the national and international levels to ensure that, for the next pandemic, low and middle-income countries will have equitable and timely access to pandemic vaccines and that effective risk communication strategies will be implemented proactively. First, the authors would like to acknowledge the hard work and extraordinary second dedication of national teams and health workers responsible for the implementation

of pandemic influenza (H1N1) vaccination campaigns across Latin America and the Caribbean. The authors would also like to thank multiple individuals who contributed to planning and implementation of the pandemic influenza vaccination activities at the regional level. From PAHO, Dr. Carlos Castillo and Ms. Pamela Bravo provided technical cooperation to countries in capacity-building for ESAVI surveillance; Ms. Monica Pereira managed the operational activities of the Revolving Fund; Ms. Bryna Brennan coordinated the work of risk communication consultants sent to some support national immunization programs and Dr. Maria de los Angeles Cortes Castillo was involved in the coordination of regulatory issues with national authorities.