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BMC Medicine
Published in: BMC Medicine 1/2007

Open Access 01-12-2007 | Debate

How to optimise the coverage rate of infant and adult immunisations in Europe

Authors: Heinz-J Schmitt, Robert Booy, Robert Aston, Pierre Van Damme, R Fabian Schumacher, Magda Campins, Carlos Rodrigo, Terho Heikkinen, Catherine Weil-Olivier, Adam Finn, Per Olcén, David Fedson, Heikki Peltola

Published in: BMC Medicine | Issue 1/2007

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Abstract

Background

Although vaccination has been proved to be a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective intervention, immunisation rates remain suboptimal in many European countries, resulting in poor control of many vaccine-preventable diseases.

Discussion

The Summit of Independent European Vaccination Experts focused on the perception of vaccines and vaccination by the general public and healthcare professionals and discussed ways to improve vaccine uptake in Europe.
Despite the substantial impact and importance of the media, healthcare professionals were identified as the main advocates for vaccination and the most important source of information about vaccines for the general public. Healthcare professionals should receive more support for their own education on vaccinology, have rapid access to up-to-date information on vaccines, and have easy access to consultation with experts regarding vaccination-related problems. Vaccine information systems should be set up to facilitate promotion of vaccination.

Summary

Every opportunity to administer vaccines should be used, and active reminder systems should be set up. A European vaccine awareness week should be established.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
How to optimise the coverage rate of infant and adult immunisations in Europe
Authors
Heinz-J Schmitt
Robert Booy
Robert Aston
Pierre Van Damme
R Fabian Schumacher
Magda Campins
Carlos Rodrigo
Terho Heikkinen
Catherine Weil-Olivier
Adam Finn
Per Olcén
David Fedson
Heikki Peltola
Publication date
01-12-2007
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Medicine / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1741-7015
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1741-7015-5-11

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