How to optimise the coverage rate of infant and adult immunisations in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Although vaccination has been proved to be a safe, efficacious, and cost-effective intervention, immunisation rates remain suboptimal in many European countries, resulting in poor control of many vaccine-preventable diseases. DISCUSSION: The Summit of Independent European Vaccination Experts focused on the perception of vaccines and vaccination by the general public and healthcare professionals and discussed ways to improve vaccine uptake in Europe. Despite the substantial impact and importance of the media, healthcare professionals were identified as the main advocates for vaccination and the most important source of information about vaccines for the general public. Healthcare professionals should receive more support for their own education on vaccinology, have rapid access to up-to-date information on vaccines, and have easy access to consultation with experts regarding vaccination-related problems. Vaccine information systems should be set up to facilitate promotion of vaccination. SUMMARY: Every opportunity to administer vaccines should be used, and active reminder systems should be set up. A European vaccine awareness week should be established.

Immunisation information for parents.

Many infectious diseases have been nearly eliminated in industrialised countries through mass vaccination programmes. However, the bacteria and viruses that cause these diseases still exist and are a threat to the health of those who are not protected through vaccination. The authors examine the benefits of childhood immunisation and this information could be used by nurses when advising parents.

Head louse and other common infections in schools: head teachers' use of an information pack.

A descriptive study examined head teachers' use of an information pack about common childhood infections and its usefulness, particularly for head louse infection. The survey covered all 122 schools in one borough in the North West of England. Overall response was 73% and 83.3% of head teachers considered the pack helpful for teachers and parents. The study highlights schools' wish for information and help with common infections, especially head louse infections, from the public health and community health services. The authors recommend providing such information regularly each term or year for teachers and parents, putting head louse infection in context with other common childhood infections. Regular education sessions are recommended for head teachers and community health professionals involved with head louse infections. These measures should help ensure a consistent, evidence-based and up-to-date approach.