This guidance document includes an updated summary of diagnostic PCR and serology together with detailed information on isolation, culture, identification and epidemiological typing of B. pertussis to help users choose the best methods within the local technical and financial provisions.
This expert opinion is intended to support national decision-making by summarising the considerations and concerns of some EU/EEA countries when they discussed whether to introduce the 4CMenB vaccine into their national immunisation programmes.
This document updates the 2009 ECDC guidance on chlamydia control in Europe. The aim of this guidance is to support Member States to develop, implement or improve strategies for chlamydia control.
This guidance, based on a systematic review of the literature and expert opinion, suggests that there is good evidence to ensure that some key components are considered for inclusion in national and sub-national public health programmes in countries in Europe.
ECDC is addressing the harmonisation and improvement of pertussis diagnosis for surveillance and outbreak detection/monitoring in order to assure quality and comparability of data. The guidance and protocol are intended for real-time PCR on DNA extracted from clinical specimens obtained from patients with suspected whooping cough (i.e. Bordetella pertussis or B. parapertussis).
The purpose of this document is to provide evidence-based guidance for good practice in public health management of sporadic cases of meningococcal disease and their contacts.
In June 2009, ECDC convened a technical expert consultation that focused on tuberculosis, new emerging airborne diseases (e.g. SARS) and meningococcal infections. This consultation was the second of a two-part process intended to assist national authorities in the EU Member States in the assessment of risks associated with the transmission of various infectious agents on board airplanes.
Current childhood vaccination schedules are the result of historical tradition, compliance with provision of health services and national vaccine registration. They have been designed on the basis of different needs related to how the healthcare system – but also the education system – is organised at national level.
This document outlines the steps necessary to implement a comprehensive and effective control programme. It also offers advice on how to monitor and evaluate such programmes in order to ensure their effectiveness.