01 April 2016
On 16th March 2016, the “Innovation Partnership for a Roadmap on Vaccines in Europe” (IPROVE) launched a strategy for vaccine research and development in Europe over the next 20 years, funded by the EU 7th Framework Programme (FP7).
The launch of the roadmap was held at a special European Parliamentary event in Brussels, which was hosted by Members of European Parliament (MEPs); Francoise Grossetête, Cristian-Silviu Busoi and Markus Ferber. Key opinion leaders and representatives in the field of vaccines and development encouraged Europe’s furthered investment and participation in immunisation.
Europe is already a leader in vaccine development, therefore there is the capability for further research and development into new vaccines that can address global health issues. IPROVE represents a positive movement from leading vaccine experts to develop a roadmap that will plan and coordinate the future progression of vaccines and vaccinology-related research in the EU.
Vice President of the Confederation of Meningitis Organisations (CoMO), Dr Daphne Holt spoke at the Parliamentary event and presented CoMO’s views on immunisation. She encouraged coordination and engagement between EU stakeholders in order to reduce country-specific barriers to vaccination.
Dr Holt explained, “A vaccine is 0% effective if it remains in the vial”. She emphasised the need for further conversations between stakeholders and the importance of increased trust between healthcare professionals and recipients of vaccines in order to maximise protection from infectious diseases. Furthermore, Dr Holt presented CoMO’s views regarding a life-course immunisation approach from babyhood to healthy ageing, dispelling the misconception that children are the only recipients of vaccines.
CoMO hopes that the IPROVE roadmap initiative will help to accelerate research in vaccines and promote the implementation of wider vaccine schedules for all ages on a global scale.