Europe & Vaccines – For effective vaccination policies in Europe

Vaccination is the primary instrument for prevention in public health. Thanks to vaccination programmes, life expectancy in the world is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. According to the WHO, vaccination can prevent between 2 and 3 million deaths per year worldwide.

Nowadays, several European and neighbouring countries are facing the return of some epidemics thought to be long forgotten, the resurgence of which is mainly due to a lack of vaccination coverage.

In an increasingly digitalized and introverted society, misinformation is on the rise, social media pose a new challenge when it comes to maintaining confidence in immunization. However, the use of digital tools would facilitate and improve vaccination programmes throughout Europe, using interoperability of systems, monitoring data, procurement and a real-time supply status, preventing waste, all as a way of fighting fire with fire.

Our policies and scientists must have a clear and unambiguous narrative about the need for vaccination and its coverage. The collective interest of vaccination should be more clearly highlighted. Providing reliable information to the general public and dispelling myths about vaccines and vaccination through the exchange of good practices is key to ensure effective public health.

For several years now, the sub-optimal vaccination coverage observed in Europe has led the European Commission to step up its vaccination efforts by working closely with Member States. In December 2018, the Council adopted a recommendation to strengthen EU cooperation against vaccine-preventable diseases. Subsequently, it established a roadmap to ensure better cooperation between Member States. A feasibility study on the development of a common EU vaccination map was launched this year. A draft common vaccination document, which could help EU citizens to continue their vaccination in the Member States, is expected to be completed in 2022.

Europe plays an important role in the production of these vaccines. Several European countries have experienced a shortage of vaccine production and supply which has hampered the implementation of their vaccination programmes. The Commission is considering the creation of a European virtual data warehouse on vaccine needs, which could facilitate the voluntary exchange of information on available supplies. This would ensure that the necessary measures are in place in the event of a pandemic.

Vaccination policies fall within the purview of national authorities. However, the EU must ensure fair access to vaccines for all EU citizens through free distribution in order to remove major financial barriers, combat disinformation and build confidence in vaccines, facilitating a vaccination pathway from an early age. Vaccination is first and foremost about education for all of us. In this issue of The European Files, we capture the responses of our institutions and hope to encourage a public discussion faithful to the greater good.

Editor-in-Chief 

Laurent ULMANN