title: Vaccine-preventable diseases in Europe: where do we stand?
abstract: During the second half of the 20th century, vaccinations led to the control or even eradication of several vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in Europe. However, outbreaks of VPDs continue to occur even in countries with well-established vaccination programs. Reasons include the existence of under-vaccinated populations, the increasing anti-vaccination movement and the increasing movement of populations across borders. Ensuring adequate levels of herd immunity is the only reliable method for preventing epidemics and a re-emergence of VPDs. In order to achieve this, more flexible vaccine delivery platforms are needed targeting the less-privileged people, especially in the context of the current economic crisis. Healthcare personnel and healthcare systems should be prepared to address these challenges in the following years.
authors: Occupational Health Service, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
authors: Sabine
authors: S
authors: Wicker
authors: Helena C
authors: HC
authors: Maltezou
mesh_terms: D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D014611:Vaccination / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014612:Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines
keywords: Europe; control; eradication; immunization; outbreaks; re-emergence; vaccination; vaccine-preventable diseases