WHO announced a new database for vaccines prequalified by WHO by type of vaccine, manufacturer and country of manufacture, to support immunization programme managers, procurement agencies, regulatory authorities, and other partners. WHO said “the ultimate goal of WHO’s prequalification programme for vaccines is to ensure that all countries have access to vaccines that meet international standards of quality, safety and efficacy and are appropriate for the target population. The rigourous evaluation process includes review of comprehensive documentation on production methods, vaccine composition, quality control and clinical experience; independent testing for consistency by WHO-accredited laboratories; and site audits of the manufacturer to ensure that vaccine and production methods conform to international standards. Complaints about vaccine quality and reports of adverse events following immunization are investigated by WHO. United Nations procurement agencies only purchase vaccines that have been prequalified by WHO.” http://www.who.int/immunization/newsroom/news_prequalified_database_online/en/index.html

Database at: http://www.who.int/immunization_standards/vaccine_quality/PQ_vaccine_list_en/en/index.html