16th ETAGE meeting report

The 16th meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE) took place on 12–13 October 2016 to review and discuss immunization activities and developments in the WHO European Region and provide advice to the WHO/Europe on appropriate activities. Main topics for discussion included the vaccine procurement and delivery challenges facing middle-income countries, monitoring progress in implementation of the European Vaccine Action Plan, the issues and challenges presented by false contraindications to vaccination and inappropriate vaccine safety concerns, proposed modifications to the measles and rubella verification process, and challenges facing the Region in responding to re-emerging vaccine-preventable diseases, particularly diphtheria and pertussis.