Childhood immunisation in the European Union. Confederation of European Specialists in Paediatrics (CESP)

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Pediatrics
• European Union Policy

Background:

• Harmonisation of working conditions is a key objective for the European Union.
• Previous guidelines on harmonisation of immunisations were published by the Confederation of European Specialists in Paediatrics in 1987 and 1992.
• Significant variations in immunisation practices and schedules exist among European countries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a completely updated version of the harmonisation of immunisations.
• To focus on the variations in current immunisation practices and schedules.
• To establish criteria for minimal agreement on immunisation schedules among European member countries.

Main Methods:

• Review and analysis of existing immunisation practices and schedules across European member countries.
• Development of criteria for establishing a minimal agreement on immunisation schedules.
• Emphasis on specific areas including catch-up vaccinations and the identification of false contraindications.

Main Results:

• Identified and detailed variations in national immunisation schedules.
• Proposed a set of criteria for achieving minimal consensus on vaccination schedules.
• Highlighted the importance of addressing catch-up vaccinations and clarifying false contraindications.

Conclusions:

• The updated guidelines aim to facilitate greater harmonisation of immunisation practices in Europe.
• Establishing minimal agreement criteria can help standardise vaccination schedules.
• Addressing catch-up vaccinations and false contraindications is crucial for effective public health strategies.