Despite scepticism, Europe has high vaccination rates – but it shouldn’t be complacent

European Immunization Week (EIW) promotes the core message that immunization of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life. European Immunization Week 2017 was celebrated on 24–30 April 2017.

The goal of EIW was to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance of immunization among parents and caregivers, health care professionals, policy and decision-makers, and the media.

• Primary Source

ECDC: Health Topics: Vaccine-preventable diseases http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/vaccine-preventable-diseases/Pages/vaccine-preventable-diseases.aspx

WHO: Regional Office for Europe: Health topics: Disease prevention: Vaccines and immunization: European Immunization Week http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/vaccines-and-immunization/european-immunization-week

ESO: Background information: Joint statement on the occasion of the European Immunisation Week by European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Vytenis Andriukaitis and WHO Regional Director for Europe Zsuzsanna Jakab http://www.europeansources.info/record/joint-statement-on-the-occasion-of-the-european-immunisation-week-by-european-commissioner-for-health-and-food-safety-vytenis-andriukaitis-and-who-regional-director-for-europe-zsuzsanna-jakab/

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