European Advisory Group on the Expanded Programme on Immunization : report on the 13th meeting, Paris, France, 10-12 March 1997

Abstract

The EAG expressed the belief that whole-cell pertussis vaccine should remain the mainstay of national immunization programmes. Those countries that had already changed to acellular vaccines would need to monitor carefully changes in coverage, efficacy and duration of protection. The possible interference between acellular vaccines and Hib vaccines needed further elucidation. Experience with Hib vaccines in European countries had been most encouraging, with high coverage achieved and rapid disappearance of invasive Hib manifestations. The EAG recommemded that epidemiological surveillance be instituted to demonstrate the burden of disease and supported vaccine use by countries able to afford it. The EAG recomended that, where there was evidence of wild poliovirus circulation, countries should undertake at least three national immunization days (‎NIDs)‎. NIDs should only be halted after evidence was available to show that they were no longer needed. Because of the difficulties in providing immunization services for gypsy families and their mobility between European countries, the EAG recommended that WHO, with partner agencies, work with the gypsy community leaders to improve poliomyelitis and other immunization services. The EAG aws firmly of the view that oral vaccine (‎OPV)‎ was the vaccine of choice for eradication purposes. the EAGurged countries to postpone any change in vaccination policy until such time as the global poliomyelitis initiative had made more progress and no indigenous cases were reported in Europe. The EAG was convinced of the benefits of efforts to eliminate measles from Europe. It was agreed that the target date for elimination should be 2007, but this could be accelerated. a plan of action would be necessary for regional activities, with operational milestones and cost estimates. All opportunities should be sought to recruit the support of national and international agencies as soon as possible