The number of measles cases in Europe increased by 477% between 2009 and 2011. More than 37,000 people were infected last year, with eight children dying from complications of the disease. Most had not been vaccinated. Now though, we could be seeing the earliest signs of a reprieve. At 1,447, the number of cases is
Read MoreVaccination is “safe, necessary and ethical”, according to the group representing European doctors which says parents should be encouraged to follow recommended immunisation programmes. Dr Konstanty Radziwill, President of the Standing Committee of European Doctors (CPME), said doctors working in primary care – such as general practitioners and paediatricians – are confronted with questions about
Read MorePharmacists should have an increased role in advising on, and administering, vaccines for flu and other vaccine-preventable illnesses, according to Pharmaceutical Group of the European Union (PGEU). John Chave, Secretary General of the PGEU, said pharmacists across Europe view advising patients on vaccination as part of their core activity but some are now moving into
Read MoreAt the recent TEDxChange event hosted by The Gates Foundation, Melinda Gates led a series of talks on the simple but ambitious theme of making the world a better place. One of the most remarkable stories was of the so-called Revolutionary Optimists who empower local communities to effect real change. In practice, this means mobilising
Read MoreAs Europe grapples with thousands of cases of measles, top health officials have cast doubt on whether the disease can be eradicated in time to meet the 2015 deadline. Marc Sprenger, Director of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), used his address to the annual Eurovaccine conference to issue a stark warning
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