The uptake and use of immunization-related resources are affected by many characteristics beyond evidence-based content, including ease of use and design.

Adaptability to local context is an important factor for resource use, so ensuring that the resource can be adapted based on input from users on their needs and perspectives, relevance, and alignment with local policies and practices can support resource use.

When implementing a resource, implementers should invest in sufficient training and capacity-building (e.g., human resources, funding, and infrastructure) for end users to be prepared to use the resource and ensure there is sufficient user buy-in, leadership support, and political commitment.

Global health practitioners who use toolkits, guidance, and other capacity-building materials to support programmatic goals should consider whether the resource or the context in which it is being implemented supports its uptake and use.

Practitioners can use the characteristics and factors identified in this article to develop context-specific strategies to ensure optimal uptake and use of resources and to evaluate existing resources for use.

Evidence-based resources, including toolkits, guidance, and capacity-building materials, are used by routine immunization programs to achieve critical global immunization targets. These resources can help spread information, change or improve behaviors, or build capacity based on the latest evidence and experience. Yet, practitioners have indicated that implementation of these resources can be challenging, limiting their uptake and use. It is important to identify factors that support the uptake and use of immunization-related resources to improve resource implementation and, thus, adherence to evidence-based practices.

A targeted narrative review and synthesis and key informant interviews were conducted to identify practice-based learning, including the characteristics and factors that promote uptake and use of immunization-related resources in low- and middle-income countries and practical strategies to evaluate existing resources and promote resource use.

Fifteen characteristics or factors to consider when designing, choosing, or implementing a resource were identified through the narrative review and interviews. Characteristics of the resource associated with improved uptake and use include ease of use, value-added, effectiveness, and adaptability. Factors that may support resource implementation include training, buy-in, messaging and communication, human resources, funding, infrastructure, team culture, leadership support, data systems, political commitment, and partnerships.

Toolkits and guidance play an important role in supporting the goals of routine immunization programs, but the development and dissemination of a resource are not sufficient to ensure its implementation. The findings reflect early work to identify the characteristics and factors needed to promote the uptake and use of immunization-related resources and can be considered a starting point for efforts to improve resource use and design resources to support implementation.

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