Annually occurring influenza remains an important public health problem in Europe. The disease puts considerable pressure on health care services with increased general practice consultation rates, hospital admissions, and excess deaths. It also leads to increased days lost of absence from work and school.

Influenza is a vaccine-preventable disease and WHO recommends vaccination of prioritized groups, including young children (aged 6 to 59 months). Despite WHO recommendations, however, only five EU Member States recommend routine vaccination of healthy children. Obviously, diversity in vaccination recommendations translates in varying influenza vaccine uptake rates in priority groups in general and in children in particular.

Based on the observations above, ESWI developed a tailor-made colloquium programme for leaders in paediatrics, family doctors, paediatricians, public health officials, regulatory authorities and academic influenza researchers. It will address possible hurdles for childhood vaccination, compare the various influenza vaccination programmes and spark the debate on updated, well-balanced policies to better protect children against influenza.

The event will be held at the Faculty Club of the University of Leuven on 14 June 2017.

Participation in the colloquium is free of charge, but places are limited. Check the colloquium programme and register now to secure your seat.