The French Technical Vaccination Committee (CTV)

This article describes the make-up and activities of the Technical Vaccination Committee (CTV) that serves as the National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) in France. Comprised of a variety of technical experts, the CTV makes recommendations concerning vaccination. The committee functions as an independent expert advisory committee, and its proceedings are confidential, although its recommendations are made public. It helps to make decisions about using new vaccines, as well as re-examining guidelines for vaccines already in use. It obtains technical expertise from a variety of sources, including specialized national centres. Although it is not obliged to do so, in most cases, the French government implements CTV recommendations. Information regarding CTV activities is disseminated through publications, its website, and letters to health officials. Efforts need to be enhanced in order to avoid creating a gap between the issuing of complex vaccination policies and their understanding by general practitioners who are responsible for the administration of over 80% of all vaccines.