Child vaccination policies in Europe: a report from the Summits of Independent European Vaccination Experts.

Despite the proven safety and efficacy of vaccines, common vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles are not yet controlled in all European countries. This is largely due to three factors. First, vaccination systems differ widely throughout Europe and they vary between highly centralised and totally decentralised systems. Both have advantages and disadvantages, but without doubt they can all work locally. "Harmonisation" in this field is neither a prerequisite nor a guarantee for success. Second, perception of vaccination--and this includes education of the public--is most crucial. In this field the media play an important part, but their ability or will to communicate complicated scientific matters in an appropriate way to the public is often insufficient. Third, political will may be the single most important factor for success in vaccination. Only if the European Union comes up with and implements common vaccination goals with firm deadlines can the best health through vaccination of all Europeans be accomplished. The system as well as the schedule used would then be of minor importance.