World Bio Summit2026

Rapid population aging across the Asia-Pacific region is increasing the burden of adult vaccine-preventable diseases.

While adult immunization is growing in importance, significant disparities remain across countries in policies,

financing mechanisms, delivery systems, and vaccine access.

Building on the adult immunization policy dialogue initiated during the 2025 APEC events,

the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) aims to expand this regional engagement. This session gathers experts from South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia,

Thailand, and the Philippines to share country-specific policies and implementation experiences,

while identifying shared regional challenges and priorities.

To this end, a closed policy dialogue for approximately 30 participants will take place on October 22 at Coex Magok

in Seoul as a side event of the World Bio Summit 2026.

Representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) interested in adult immunization will attend,

alongside insights from industry sponsor Moderna. Through these discussions,

the session seeks to establish a sustainable expert network and chart a direction for regional policy collaboration.

1. Regional Priorities for Adult Immunization

What are the most urgent gaps in adult immunization across participating countries?

What common challenges do nations face, and what should be prioritized at the regional level?

2. Feasible Policy Harmonization in the Asia-Pacific

In which areas—such as evidence generation, policy guidelines, financing mechanisms, or delivery systems—is policy harmonization both necessary and feasible? How should country-specific differences be taken into account?

3. Moving from Dialogue to Action: 2027 and Beyond

What practical steps can participants take following this dialogue? How can we sustain the sharing of experiences and identify opportunities for regional collaboration in 2027 and beyond?