Vaccination challenges and EU cooperation. What is the way forward? Brussels
19.11.18 - 19.11.18
Vaccination is one of the most important medical measures developed in the 20th Century and the main tool for primary prevention of diseases. Despite the contribution made by vaccines to people’s health and well-being, vaccination programmes face today major challenges in the EU: declining coverage, supply shortages and growing vaccine hesitancy.
In April, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council Recommendation and a Communication on Strengthened Cooperation against Vaccine Preventable Diseases, with a focus on three pillars for action: 1) tackling vaccine hesitancy and improving vaccination coverage; 2) sustainable vaccination policies in the EU; 3) EU coordination and contribution to global health.
This creates the momentum to stimulate debate and share of ideas which can inform the work of policy-makers and the biomedical community in these areas.
The aim of the workshop is to trigger discussions on the following aspects:
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How can vaccination levels be improved through better public dialogue? Which concrete actions can be taken by European and national health authorities and other biomedical stakeholders to engage with the public and address concerns about vaccination?
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Which policy interventions could be taken by the European Commission and Member States to ensure that vaccination programmes function well? Which areas would benefit from increased cooperation at EU level?