The National Immunization Commission (CoNaIn), which has existed since 2000, is responsible for the formulation Recommendations for vaccinations in Argentina. Last Monday, the government announced a new regulation that takes away the organization’s independence. Its members have just done a strong discharge through a statement and they say there is one “Possible effects on vaccination protection”.
“The members of CoNaIn have always performed their duties exclusively on an honorary basis, without receiving any remuneration for their participation, which in the past represented an additional guarantee of technical independence, commitment to public health and… Lack of economic incentives This may influence the formulation of recommendations,” the text of the statement reads.
This paragraph appears to be a response to one of the official arguments regarding the transparency of this body, which states: “The nation’s Ministry of Health is looking reconcile multiple interests of CoNaIn participants and promote closer cooperation with academic institutions.”
The CoNaIn statement now reads: “The recent approval of the new CoNaIn operating and composition regulations (December 2025) introduces significant changes change significantly the nature and historical functioning of this advisory body.”
In particular, they emphasize that “the new regulation establishes that the presidency of CoNaIn will be exercised permanently by the head of the Directorate for the Control of Immunopreventable Diseases (DiCEI), with the power to convene, coordinate, vote and validate recommendations. Likewise, it is established that the assessment, prioritization and definition of the applicable technical criteria will be carried out.” fall within the exclusive competence of this Directoratewho may accept, modify or reject the recommendations of the Commission.”
They point out that this institutional redesign “implies a direct hierarchical and functional dependence of CoNaIn on the executive authority, which.” weakens its role as an independent technical advisory body and reduces their ability to provide autonomous advice based on scientific knowledge.”
On the other hand, they criticize that the new regulation “significantly changes” the composition of the Commission. “The central scientific core is reduced to four full members and their respective alternates, selected exclusively from shortlists proposed by medical schools, through a highly centralized process and subject to multiple instances of administrative validation.”
On this point they point out that “the stable participation of national and international technical organizations with recognized experience, such as ANMAT and PAHO, as well as the formal representation of provincial jurisdictions and the participation of scientific societies whose interventions are crucial to the quality of the recommendations.”
And they add that “the reduction of disciplinary and institutional plurality represents a….” Setback regarding the diversity of approaches and technical robustness of the advice.”
CoNaIn emphasizes that it has “contributed over the years to important successes that are reflected in this management in one of the best vaccination calendars in America,” with the strengthening of the National Calendar (CNV) since 2015. with 20 free and mandatory vaccinations.
Finally, they affirm that the new regulations “significantly undermine the independent, pluralistic and federal advisory character that has historically defined CoNaIn.” possible impact on technical quality and public trust in national vaccination policy.” A trust that is already declining and is reflected in coverage rates.
He adds: “In a scenario of low vaccination coverage with the emergence of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, we must concentrate our efforts on strengthening technical authorities, the multidisciplinary work of all actors in the health system and.” the population’s trust in vaccines. If the technical structures are weakened, the risks increase, as international experience has already shown.”
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