Building and monitoring vaccine confidence across Europe
Confidence in immunisation varies significantly across European populations and is not monitored consistently. Without continuous monitoring, policy responses are reactive rather than preventive.
Why this matters
Vaccine confidence is dynamic: it shifts with events, information environments and trust in institutions. MBVE calls for continuous monitoring and tailored responses – combining rapid alert systems, community engagement and healthcare-professional training.
Key issues
- Vaccine hesitancy – its definition, drivers and European prevalence
- The distinction between hesitancy and refusal, and why it matters for policy
- The role of misinformation and its policy implications
- Monitoring frameworks: what exists, what is missing, and what MBVE recommends
What the Consensus Report recommends
Policy-grade recommendations for action at European and national level.
Develop an EU vaccine confidence rapid alert and response system to enable timely risk analysis and policy action.
Strengthen community engagement on immunisation through national strategies, research and exchanges of best practice.
Reinforce training on immunisation and communication skills for pre- and in-service healthcare professionals.
Who contributes to this pillar
This pillar draws directly on the expertise of The Vaccine Confidence Project, alongside patient and civil-society members such as the European Patients Forum and Active Citizenship Network, who are central to building and sustaining trust in immunisation.