/events/knaw-feam-symposium-adult-vaccination
A symposium on vaccination of older adults and on vaccine hesitancy.
According to the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) vaccines belong to the best life-saving interventions by preventing spread of infectious diseases. In a recent report, FEAM describes the importance and efficacy of vaccination programs for adults, with a focus on older adults. But how do we ensure implementation and avoid vaccine hesitancy?
According to FEAM, vaccines are able to prevent occurrence of infectious diseases and related morbidity and mortality. The modern mRNA vaccine technology provides great opportunities, since it is rapid, flexible and facilitates a scalable manufacturing process. In addition, these vaccines meet with a relatively good immune response in elderly people.
The FEAM report concludes that adult vaccination programmes in Europe often lack prioritisation and funding. It also states that older adults and healthcare workers fail to recognise potential benefits of vaccination for the older population. Vaccine hesitancy is a crucial societal issue that is also addressed. Acceptance and recognition of vaccine benefits is considered key for healthy ageing.
Programme
- 6.30 p.m. Registration, coffee and tea
Part I - Vaccine hesitancy
- 7.00 p.m. Welcome and introduction, Brenda Penninx, Professor of psychiatric epidemiology, Amsterdam UMC, Vice-President KNAW
- 7.05 p.m. Daphne Bussink–Voorend, PhD candidate Vaccine Hesitancy, Radboudumc– What is vaccine hesitancy?
- 7.20 p.m. Marlies Hulscher, Professor Quality of care for infectious diseases, Radboudumc – Vaccination acceptance, vaccine hesitancy and how to address them
- 7.40 p.m. Discussion and questions with public and speakers
Part II – The FEAM report highlighted
- 7.55 p.m. Introduction, Mihai Netea, full Professor of experimental medicine, Radboudumc
- 8.00 p.m. Jean Pierre Michel, Professor Geriatric Medicine, University of Geneva – Why vaccinations are vital for older adults?
- 8.20 p.m. George Griffin, Emeritus Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, St. George’s, University of London and past Vice-President of FEAM – The FEAM report highlighted and discussed in more detail
- 8.40 p.m. Comments by Bart-Jan Kullberg, Professor of internal medicine and infectious diseases, and chairperson of the Heath Council of the Netherlands
- 8.45 p.m. Discussion and questions with public and speakers led by Brenda Penninx and Mihai Netea
- 9.00 p.m. End of the symposium. Drinks.
More information
The main language of this event is English.