Closing vaccination gaps, reaching every community

European Immunization Week is an initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the vital role immunisation plays to prevent diseases and protect life. This year’s EIW runs from 27 April to 3 May. 

Vaccination is not only an act of self-protection but also one of solidarity, and one which  offers both immediate and long-term benefits, even if they might not be visible directly: vaccines protect individuals from potentially serious diseases and in the long run also protect others by reducing spread of infections. That way, vaccination is not only an act of self-protection but also one of solidarity. Without widespread vaccination, many diseases that are now rare thanks to vaccines, could return. 

Successful vaccination programmes are built on understanding and responding to people’s beliefs, concerns, and expectations, and large parts of the population in European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries follow the national vaccine recommendations in their countries.  

However, in 2023 and 2024, case reports of diseases such as measles and pertussis surged following a period of low transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Routine childhood vaccination coverage, particularly for measles, remains below the recommended threshold in several countries. 

In this context, social and behavioural science approaches can help identify and address barriers to vaccination and improve uptake in populations with lower coverage rates through tailored interventions.

Join our digital event bridging epidemiology and social sciences to identify, understand and find joint solutions to address barriers against vaccination, close immunity gaps and improve vaccination coverage across the EU/EEA.