Shortages of vaccines are of increasing concern in the EU and globally1. The reasons are multiple:
Foster early and continuous dialogue between individual manufacturers and health authorities that allows both sides to better anticipate the evolution of vaccine recommendations and more accurately forecast vaccine demand
Reduce the number of labelling & packaging requirements by evaluating the feasibility of introducing simplified, multi-lingual packs and e-leaflets
Ensure Europe-wide recognition of the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) criteria in the scope of tender procurement to encourage continued innovation and incentivise more manufacturers and suppliers to establish sustainable business models
Develop a mechanism for exchanging vaccine supplies from one Member State to another to address outbreaks
Immunisation Information Systems (IIS) are proven as an integral part of well-functioning health systems and are now being implemented (or piloted) throughout the EU4
IIS promote patient engagement and citizen empowerment through the use of automatic reminders, provider assessments, and online access to official immunisation records5
Vaccine registries can identify gaps in vaccine uptake in the population, and facilitate communication to at-risk groups
Strengthen European disease surveillance capabilities to better assess infectious disease patterns, vaccines benefit/risks and the impact of vaccination across all ages
Support Member States willing to implement IIS to monitor vaccination uptake rates (e.g. through European Structural Funds)
Develop a common EU citizen vaccination card with standardised information on vaccination history, which could also greatly contribute to facilitating the interpretation of vaccination records and ensuring continuity of immunisation across borders
Ensure coordination between health and digital policies and other initiatives, in particular IIS should be considered as a format for exchange of electronic health records
EU leaders have a critical role to play by building on the 2017-2019 momentum on vaccination and supporting the implementation of the goals laid out in the Council Recommendation in the EU Member States. Vaccines Europe welcomes the EU vaccination initiatives and encourages public authorities together with all stakeholders to implement them. This will ensure vaccination remains the cornerstone of a successful prevention policy in Europe, which can protect all European citizens against vaccine-preventable diseases.