April 2017 news

Influenza Preventing Policies for Children: ESWI symposium

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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.

Science Policy Interface

Influenza programme for public health officials and policy makers

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Influenza remains a source of public health concern. Though the disease may not always be dominating the headlines, influenza confronts scientific researchers and policy experts with major challenges. In the 2016/17 season, for instance, influenza has put further strain on already besieged hospital services in many European countries, while the contagious H5N8 bird flu strain has had a major impact on the European poultry sector.

Since there is no time for complacency, the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference will provide a highly needed platform to discuss Europe’s preparedness and response for influenza outbreaks. Public health officials, policy makers and influenza experts are kindly invited to join the discussions in the Science Policy Interface at the Sixth ESWI Influenza Conference.

The Science Policy Interface track is a separate programme specifically designed to foster the exchange of evidence and practice at the interface of science and health policy. In seven sessions, the world’s leading experts will address some of the most intriguing issues, while distinguished public health professionals will share their insights and experience.

Download the Science Policy Interface brochure via this link or visit the conference website for more information about the conference concept, programmes and participants’ guidelines.