Enhancing Lifelong Vaccination: Insights from Spain, France and Italy

Abstract

Vaccinations are not limited to children and teenagers, as recently reiterated in the Council Conclusions on Vaccination. With the European Union's population continuing to age, there is a growing need to prioritize adult vaccination alongside pediatric vaccinations. In April 2023, the Italian NGO Cittadinanzattiva, through its European branch Active Citizenship Network, launched a new project called 'Civil Society promoting vaccination across the life-course' during the European Immunization Week. The goal was to enhance collaboration and dialogue with all relevant health stakeholders, engaging citizens' and patients' associations across Europe to better understand and implement vaccination policies. This article presents the outcomes of three national focus groups held in the second half of 2023 across Spain, France and Italy. The methodology involved discussions in native languages to gain qualitative insights into life-course immunization, barriers, and strategies. Engaging leaders from civic and patients' associations, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, the collaborative effort explored lessons learned and identified pathways for improving vaccination rates. Positive shifts in stakeholders' perspectives underscore the pivotal role of preventive measures, prompting increased policymakers' awareness. However, challenges arise, including a polarized approach to vaccination and issues in communication causing confusion and distrust, amplified by media influence. Presently, there is an overall stagnation in vaccination rates, with a slight decline, particularly in influenza vaccinations, signaling vaccination “fatigue”. Common suggestions include advocating for effective and personalized communication, leveraging digital tools, endorsing patient and civic organizations as strong vaccine advocates, and recognizing the increased role of different healthcare professionals (pharmacists, nurses, etc.) as invaluable support resources. Additionally, the importance of vaccination campaign evaluation is emphasized.