Variation in adult vaccination policies across Europe: An overview from VENICE network on vaccine recommendations, funding and coverage

Kanitz EE, Lauren AW, Giambi C, Raymond AS, Levy-Bruhl D, Stefanoff P, Mereckiene J, Appelgren E, D’Ancona F, VENICE (Vaccine European New Integrated Collaboration Effort) National Gatekeepers, Contact Points. Vaccine (2012), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.06.012, In press.

The results of this survey show that vaccination policies for adults vary across Europe, including the meaning of “recommended vaccine” which is not comparable among countries.

A common policy may be neither feasible nor required for all vaccinations.  However, considering the population movement inside Europe, and in the context of highly communicable vaccine-preventable diseases that are targeted to elimination and spread beyond country borders, a common policy for certain vaccinations could have a significant positive impact on the prevention of disease. The survey also points out the poor availability of data on vaccination coverage for adults, which should be collected routinely like for children vaccination.