About: immunisation
National immunisation routines ‘more critical than ever’ in wake of COVID-19 outbreak
The recent COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated that we must not let down our guard on routine immunisations, Dr Hans Kluge, World Health Organisation (WHO) regional director for Europe, stressed in a speech marking European Immunisation Week 2020.
Healthy vaccines ecosystem: A tough equation to solve
In a fragmented EU market, the vaccines ecosystem is complex and in order for it to be “healthy” all relevant stakeholders should be taken into account, Professor Panos Kanavos, an associate professor at LSE, told EURACTIV.com.
Measles hit Zagreb as social media join fight against anti-vaccination
Seven people have been diagnosed with measles in Zagreb in the past two weeks, raising concerns that more cases of this highly contagious virus may occur in light of the rising anti-vaccination campaigns.
Despite warnings, Europe still severely exposed to measles
Although awareness and EU coordination on vaccination has increased, Europe is still experiencing an embarrassingly severe measles’ outbreak.
Industry calls on EU member states to pick up vaccination momentum
EU member states should take advantage of the positive momentum on vaccination push and make it a “cornerstone” of Europe’s public health, the EU vaccine industry has said.
No freedom of choice in vaccination, top EU health official insists
There is no freedom of choice when it comes to vaccination because it involves putting other people’s health at risk, a top EU health official has warned, adding that ongoing debate in Italy about inoculations is verging "on the absurd".
Recommendation on vaccines should not remain a ‘piece of paper’, Commission says
The European Commission’s proposed recommendation on strengthened cooperation of all stakeholders against vaccine-preventable diseases should not remain a “piece of paper” as it needs to bring tangible results for all age groups, Commission officials told EURACTIV.com.
Expert: Life-course immunisation will save costs and lives
The adoption of a life-course immunisation approach in the EU will have significant multi-level effects, ranging from a healthier population to savings in healthcare budgets, Professor Daphné Holt told EURACTIV.com.
Sudden spike in number of measles cases in Europe, highest death toll in Serbia
The first six months of 2018 have seen a sudden increase in the number of measles cases in Europe with at least 37 deaths, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned.
Pharma expert: Combination vaccines reduce the cost of outbreaks and treatments
The use of combination vaccines can bring about better vaccine coverage and this will improve protection of the public against vaccine-preventable diseases, reduce costs for treatment of these diseases and help prevent outbreaks that would otherwise occur, Mel Kohn told EURACTIV.com.
MEP: Europe must unlock the potential of combination vaccines
Multicomponent or combined vaccines are an indispensable tool to address the current public health challenges and Europe should, therefore, help unlock their potential, said Swedish MEP Christofer Fjellner.
What is the potential of combination vaccines?
The rise of anti-vaccination campaigns has in recent years had a detrimental effect on EU public health as “forgotten” diseases such as measles re-appeared in Europe, raising eyebrows among policymakers.
Reaping the full benefits of vaccination
Vaccination is one of the most powerful and cost-effective public health measures developed in the 20th century. But unless Europe shifts towards a life-course approach and ensures equitable access for everyone, vaccination policies will fall short of achieving their full potential, writes Patricia Massetti.
How Italy’s scientific community joined forces and shaped national vaccination plan
If the scientific community sticks together and makes a coordinated effort, it can be very influential in shaping national vaccination plans, Italian professor Paolo Bonanni told EURACTIV.com, citing Italy as a prime example.
Commission could play greater role in harmonising vaccines supply, industry says
The European Commission could play a decisive role in further harmonising the regulatory framework of vaccines and therefore avoid delays in the supply of vaccines in case of shortages or emergencies, Vaccines Europe told EURACTIV.com.
How patient groups could help tackle ‘fake news’ on vaccination
Patient groups play a crucial role in providing the right information and thus tackling fake news on vaccination, according to experts, who say this is increasingly necessary to restore confidence in this field.
ECDC chief: Bigger social media presence needed to fight anti-vaccines fake news
Public health authorities at EU and national level have started working to “occupy more of the space on social media”, as it is currently almost entirely taken up by people who are against vaccination, Dr Andrea Ammon told EURACTIV.com in an interview.
MEP: Vaccination is a lifelong process, not only for children
Parents have a particular responsibility to protect their children, as they are more vulnerable to infections, but vaccination should be seen as a lifelong approach that applies to adults too, centre-right MEP Renate Sommer told EURACTIV.com.
Vaccines boss: Clear privacy rules are needed for electronic immunisation record system
An electronic immunisation record system, which aims to better monitor vaccination among populations, will need clear privacy rules and individuals should be the owners of their own data, Patricia Massetti told EURACTIV.com in an interview. Patricia Massetti is an associate...
Commission backs electronic immunisation record to manage vaccination
The European Commission supports the creation of an electronic immunisation record system that will help EU member states enhance their cross-border cooperation and simultaneously enhance prevention of infectious diseases.
Electronic immunisation record
An increase in vaccine hesitancy, combined with the insufficient preparedness of EU member state healthcare systems against infectious diseases, has raised eyebrows in Brussels and the EU capitals, which now seek ways to minimise outbreak risks.
EU should lead the final push to eradicate polio
A polio-free world is within reach. With continued support and funding, the EU can help wipe out this devastating disease, writes Stefan Rebmann.
WHO promotes vaccination to eradicate measles
This week is the World Health Organisation's 10th annual European Immunisation Week. Running from 20-25 April, the annual event aims to raise awareness of the importance of vaccination in the EU. EURACTIV France reports.