• Cho Ryok Kang, Bin Ahn, Young June Choe, So Yun Lim, Han Wool Kim, Hyun Mi Kang, Ji Young Park, Hyungmin Lee, Seungho Lee, Sumin Jeong, Sunghee Kwon, and Eun Hwa Choi.
• Allergy and Immunology Center, and Department of Pediatrics, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
• J. Korean Med. Sci. 2024 Jun 3; 39 (21): e166e166.

BackgroundThe Korea Expert Committee on Immunization Practices (KECIP) is a key advisory body the government to develop guidelines and provide technical advisory activities on immunization policies in Korea. A recent policy study, inspired by global best practices, aims to enhance KECIP's functionality for providing timely and transparent recommendations in the face of evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases like COVID-19.MethodsThis study reviewed the current status of KECIP and collected expert opinions through surveys and consultations. Among the 40 panel members who were surveyed, 19 responded to a questionnaire specifically designed to assess the potential areas of improvement within KECIP.ResultsThe majority of respondents favored maintaining the current member count and emphasized the need for a subcommittee. Opinions varied on issues such as the length of KECIP's term, the representation of vaccine manufacturers' perspectives, and the chairperson's role. However, there was a consensus on the importance of expertise, transparency, and fair proceedings within the committee.ConclusionThis study underscores the pivotal role of KECIP in shaping national immunization policies, emphasizing the necessity for informed guidance amidst evolving vaccine science and emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, it stressed the importance of enhancing KECIP's capacity to effectively address evolving public health challenges and maintain successful immunization programs in South Korea.© 2024 The Korean Academy of Medical Sciences.

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