MEP Interest Group on Life Course Immunisation

Infectious diseases know no borders, necessitating a borderless strategy for disease prevention in Europe.

MEP Interest Group in Life Course Immunisation

The MEP Interest Group on Life Course Immunisation (LCI) promotes the importance of vaccination across all ages and advocates for comprehensive immunisation policies within the European Union.

This group will play a pivotal role in shaping discourse, influencing legislation, and raising awareness on life-course immunisation within the European legislative framework.

Unlike official parliamentary committees, MEP Interest Groups operate more informally, allowing for a flexible and dynamic approach to advocacy and policy development.

This group will facilitate:

Cross-Party Collaboration
Focused Advocacy
Expert Engagement
Policy Influence

Through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, capacity building and policy influencing, the MEP Interest Group will promote awareness of the importance of immunisation throughout the life course – from infancy through adolescence to adulthood and into older age. By championing evidence-based strategies and fostering dialogue, the group aims to support efforts to improve and harmonise vaccination coverage, combat vaccine refusal, and ensure equitable access to vaccines in Europe.

MEP Interest Group Goals (2024-2029)

Enhancing Life Course Immunisation through all Policies
Ensuring Equitable Access
Strengthening Scientific Collaboration

Co-chairs

MEP Vytenis Andriukaitis

Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament

MEP Tomislav Sokol

Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

Members

MEP Andras Kulja

Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

MEP Liudas Mažulis

Group of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats)

Scientific Panel

Professor Vytautas Usonis | CLCI & University Vilnius

Professor Walter Ricciardi | Mission Board on Vaccination Europe & Catholic University of Sacred Heart Rome

Actions

Inform and Equip MEPs
- - - Establish a scientific panel to provide evidence-based recommendations and support the interest group.
    - Provide information packs, reports, translations of scientific information, key messaging
Raise awareness of life course immunisation
- - - Organise and host virtual and in-person meetings
    - Support MEPs to submit questions and statements to parliamentary debates
Collaborate effectively
- - - Use the scientific panel and platforms like EHDS to enhance collaboration and inform policy.
    - Collaborate with other NGOs, networks, events and projects that align with the Interest Group objectives.
Evaluate & adapt
- - - Conduct yearly evaluations to assess the progress of our initiatives and make necessary adjustments.
    - Track community engagement via digital media analytics and annual surveys.
    - Track engagement with parliamentary discussion eg. the number of questions contributed to and outcomes.

Secretariat

The secretariat is provided by the Coalition for Life Course Immunisation (CLCI), with strategic support from independent policy consultancy, Sandra Evans Health Policy

OUR OBJECTIVES

Prevention as Priority: Elevate infectious disease prevention to a fundamental healthcare priority across EU member states, emphasising the importance of vaccines for diseases like human papilloma virus (HPV), Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, influenza, and emerging threats driven by climate change.
Equitable Access: Advocate for equitable access to vaccines for all European citizens, ensuring that immunisation becomes a lifelong routine facilitated by a diverse range of healthcare professionals.
Data-Driven Healthcare: Develop the European Health Data Space to enhance cross-border data sharing and harmonisation for effective use in vaccine policy development and guidance.

HOW IT WILL WORK

Strategic Alliances & Policy Advocacy: By forming strategic alliances with European health committees and engaging in policy advocacy, the group will aim to influence health policies and funding mechanisms to prioritise life-course immunisation.
Knowledge Sharing & Capacity Building: Hosting events and roundtables to equip MEPs with knowledge and strategies to advocate for vaccination effectively. This includes leveraging adult immunisation across political and public health agendas.
Monitoring & Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms for regular review of progress towards objectives, including tracking vaccination coverage and impact on public health.

IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Launch of the MEP Interest Group on Life Course Immunisation – Discover the key policy recommendations and next steps for improving European immunisation strategies.

Strategy working document – Read more about our vision and alignment with EU policies, presented at European Parliament.

LCI Infographic

Number of organisations supporting the group

Number of individuals supporting the group

Why support us?

Supporting the MEP Interest Group on Life Course Immunisation is crucial for organisations and individuals alike to contribute to improved public health outcomes across Europe. Your support directly contributes to raising awareness, combating vaccine refusal, and ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all.

Together, we can make a significant impact on disease prevention and the well-being of our communities.

JOIN US