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 study provides insights for national public health authorities into the factors behind the spread of vaccine misinformation online and the options and capacities needed for responding to it.
This document summarises evidence from studies included in the licensing file of HPV vaccines together with postlicensure, peer-reviewed data and analysis where available. This guidance does not address the safety of HPV vaccines observed during the pre- and post-licensing period.
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.
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).
In January 2008, a panel of ECDC experts produced the Guidance for the introduction of HPV vaccines in EU countries. Since then, the European Union has come a long way: most countries have implemented national vaccination programmes for adolescent girls and a significant number have also introduced catch-up programmes for young women.
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.