COVID-19 to Routine Immunization Information System Transferability Assessment (CRIISTA) User Guide

This assessment aims to identify the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for use in RI, considering various thematic areas such as context, functionality, technology, users, and resources. The CRIISTA tool is organized into five thematic areas, each posing questions about the current COVID-19 IIS, the current and desired state of the routine IIS, and the gaps between them. Scores are calculated to assess the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI. This assessment is particularly relevant in countries where COVID-19 IISs have been implemented, and there is a need to leverage these investments to strengthen routine IISs. The CRIISTA tool is designed to support decision-making around the transfer of COVID-19 IISs to RI systems. It is intended for use by various stakeholders, including government officials, health professionals, and implementers of immunization programs. The tool provides a structured approach to assessing the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI, considering factors such as data standards, interoperability, and user needs. The CRIISTA tool consists of a series of questions and scoring criteria, which are organized into the five thematic areas. Each thematic area is designed to assess a specific aspect of the COVID-19 IIS, including its context, functionality, technology, users, and resources. The scores obtained from each thematic area are then used to calculate a final suitability score, which indicates whether the COVID-19 IIS is suitable for RI. The CRIISTA tool is intended to be used in conjunction with other tools and resources, such as the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) guidelines and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations on immunization information systems. By leveraging these resources, the CRIISTA tool can provide a comprehensive assessment of the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI, supporting informed decision-making and the effective transfer of COVID-19 IISs to routine immunization systems. The CRIISTA tool is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the specific needs of each country. It can be used to assess the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI in various contexts, including countries with existing routine IISs and those with limited or no experience with IISs. By providing a structured approach to assessing the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI, the CRIISTA tool can support the effective transfer of COVID-19 IISs to routine immunization systems, ultimately contributing to improved immunization coverage and better health outcomes. The CRIISTA tool is a valuable resource for countries seeking to leverage their investments in COVID-19 IISs to strengthen routine IISs. By providing a comprehensive assessment of the suitability of a COVID-19 IIS for RI, the CRIISTA tool can support informed decision-making and the effective transfer of COVID-19 IISs to routine immunization systems, ultimately contributing to improved immunization coverage and better health outcomes.