FEAM-KNAW symposium on adult vaccination and vaccine hesitancy – 20 March 2023, 19.00 – 21.00 (CET)

FEAM – KNAW Symposium
Adult vaccination and vaccine hesitancy
20 March 2023 | 19.00 – 21.00 (CET)
Amsterdam / Zoom
Watch the recording: here

Zoom and the Trippenhuis, Kloveniersburgwal 29, Amsterdam

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.

On March 2022, the Federation of European Academies of Medicine (FEAM) published the report ‘Immunisation for old adults in Europe: scientific and social strategies‘. The document concluded 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

19:00 Part I – The FEAM report highlighted

• Welcome and introduction – Mihai Netea, Full Professor of Experimental Medicine, Radboudumc
• Why vaccinations are vital for older adults? – Jean-Pierre Michel, Professor Geriatric Medicine, University of Geneva (watch the interview of Professor Jean-Pierre Michel on the FEAM report on Adult Vaccination)
• The FEAM report highlighted and discussed in more detail – George Griffin, Emeritus Professor of Infectious Diseases and Medicine, St. George’s, University of London and FEAM Vice-President (watch the interview of Professor George Griffin on the FEAM report on Adult Vaccination)
• Comments by Bart-Jan Kulberg, Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, co-founder of the Radboudumc Center for Infectious Diseases (RCI) and chairperson of the Health Council of the Netherlands

19:50 Part II – Vaccine hesitancy 

• Why is vaccine hesitancy important? – Marlies Hulscher, Professor Quality of Care for infectious diseases, Radboudumc
• What is vaccine hesitancy? – Daphne Bussink, Voorend, MD, resident public health and PhD candidate, Radboudumc