Strengthening Adult Immunization Policy in APEC: Regional Alignment and Global Engagement

The session will highlight the importance of strengthening adult immunization policies across APEC economies in the context of an aging society and lessons learned from COVID-19. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, adult immunization remains fragmented and under-prioritized. Through keynote presentations, country case studies (Korea, Japan, Taiwan), and an industry perspective, this side event aims to raise awareness, share regional insights, and foster dialogue for policy harmonization. The session will also introduce the idea of establishing an APEC Adult Immunization Policy Group (AIPG) to promote collaborative action and long-term alignment.

- Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General, IVI (Opening Remarks, Virtual)

- Dr. Ryan MacFarlane, Vice President, Tech Enabled Verticals/Access Partnership 

- Dr. Lewis Seunghyun Kwon, Deputy Director, KDCA (Spotlight: Korea)

- Dr. Norihisa Yamamoto, Chief Research Scientist, JIHS (Spotlight: Japan)

- Dr. Yi-Chun Lo, Deputy Director General, Taiwan CDC (Spotlight: Taiwan)

- Dr. Piyali Mukeerji, VP, Medical Affairs, APAC Moderna (Industry Perspective)

- Dr. Woojoo Kim, Professor, Korea University College of Medicine (Panel Discussion)

- Dr. Victor Melt Campos, Director General, Ministry of Health, Peru (Closing Reflections)

16:35–16:55 Keynote: Adult Immunization Challenges – Dr. Ryan MacFarlane

16:55–17:10 Korea’s Adult Immunization Strategy – Dr. Lewis S. Kwon

17:10–17:25 Japan’s Adult Immunization Strategy – Dr. Norihisa Yamamoto

17:25–17:40 Taiwan’s Adult Immunization Strategy – Dr. Yi-Chun Lo

17:40–17:55 Industry Perspective – Dr. Piyali Mukeerji, Moderna

17:55–18:25 Panel Discussion: Adult Immunization in APEC Economies (All speakers invited as panelists)