The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) was established in 1999 to advise WHO on issues related to vaccines and immunization. Its membership consists of 15 international experts from a variety of disciplines related to vaccines and immunization. SAGE's role is to advise WHO on overall global policies and strategies, ranging from vaccines and technology, research and development, to delivery of immunization and its linkages with other health interventions. SAGE is concerned not only with childhood vaccines and immunization, but all vaccine-preventable diseases.

SAGE meets at least twice a year, with working groups established for detailed review of specific topics prior to discussion by the full group. Priorities of work and meeting agendas are developed by the group in consultation with WHO. 

UNICEF, the Gavi Secretariat and WHO Regional Offices participate as observers in SAGE meetings and deliberations. Additional representatives invited by WHO to participate as observers at SAGE meetings include representatives of WHO regional technical advisory groups, nongovernmental organizations, international professional organizations, technical agencies, donor organizations, and associations of manufacturers of vaccines and immunization technologies. Experts may also be invited to participate in SAGE meetings, as appropriate, to further contribute to specific agenda items.

The conclusions and recommendations of SAGE meetings are published in the WHO Weekly Epidemiological Record (bilingual, in English and French), within two months of each SAGE meeting. All reports are translated into Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.