The Adult Immunization Board (AIB): a platform to provide multidisciplinary support for the implementation and optimization of adult immunization in Europe
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Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium
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Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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Centre for the Evaluation of Vaccination, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, University of Antwerp, Belgium
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Popul. Med. 2023;5(Supplement):A6
ABSTRACT
Background: The low adult vaccination coverage and the barriers experienced during the implementation of the COVID-19 vaccination strategies in almost all European countries underline the need for a thorough reflection on adult immunization programs in Europe. Therefore, the teams of Prof. Bonanni - University of Florence and Prof. Van Damme - University of Antwerp joined forces to create an adult immunization board (AIB) based on years of experience with the Viral Hepatitis Prevention Board (created in 1992) and the HPV board (created in 2015). The AIB will be an independent, international, and multidisciplinary group of experts in adult immunization. The experts will set the strategy and define the actions of the AIB. Materials: AIB operates by organizing two yearly meetings: 1) Technical meeting covering technical aspects of adult immunization such as tailored vaccine services and communication for adults, electronic vaccine registries, adult immunization schedules, vaccine equity, coadministration of vaccines etc. 2) Country meeting to discuss country/region-specific aspects of adult immunization together with local experts. Results: In November 2022, the AIB secretariat organized a Kick-off meeting with experts to establish the basic structure/functions of the Board, discuss the main Objectives, and plan future meetings. Experts from different disciplines/sectors welcomed the AIB initiative. It was indicated that it is timely to have a closer look into adult vaccination and it was recognized that immunization needs a lifelong course and does not end after childhood. The new platform was well received and endorsed as an appropriate and effective way to share information and exchange ideas and experiences across disciplines and borders. In Q2/Q4 2023, the first AIB technical/country meetings are scheduled. Conclusions: AIB will be a platform that brings together the different key European stakeholders on adult immunization in order to effectively contribute towards the implementation and optimization of adult immunization in Europe.