European Union Child Guarantee-challenges raised by the welcome promise of free healthcare for marginalized children

After the European Global Vaccination Summit-The need for practical policies to boost vaccination delivery to children in Europe

BACKGROUND

Low childhood vaccination rates in Europe continue to cause concern and have triggered much policy study. However, regarding children, making immunisation a stand-alone issue cuts across integrated child health services. Most initiatives, including the 10 Action Points from the 2019 European-hosted Global Vaccination Summit, are all laudable but high level enablement policies. Delivery processes have been ignored, and key stakeholders not involved in discussions.

METHODS

Reviews of policies, literature and planned actions, leading to identification of further delivery policies needed to facilitate and stimulate practical accomplishments.

RESULTS

10 aspects are identified where European coordinated action to develop policies, share evidence and increase standards, would be beneficial. These also fit in with established European Commission strengths, and the incoming Commission's policies and priorities.

CONCLUSION

The European Commission, Member States and child health stakeholders should pursue a holistic approach, taking immunisation as a component of integrated child health. Service delivery should be compatible with modern societal challenges and related parenting patterns, and public health processes modernised and reinvigorated. Nursing and societal stakeholders should be brought in, and fit-for-purpose digital support facilitated. This is even more urgent following the diversion of the Covid-19 pandemic.