Fourth Meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (ETAGE)

The fourth meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts (ETAGE) was held in Copenhagen from 14 to15 June 2005 with the objective of reviewing the main strategies, activities and technical issues of the Vaccine-preventable Diseases and Immunization Programme (VPI) of the European Region of WHO, and providing advice on key future areas for further development.

ETAGE was briefed on the implementation of recommendations made during the previous two meetings, and detailed presentations were given on the status of surveillance and monitoring for vaccine-preventable diseases, including laboratory-based surveillance. The current status and future plans of WHO partnerships and advocacy were discussed, including preparations for European Immunization Week. The operational plan for measles and rubella elimination and congenital rubella syndrome prevention, including projected budget requirement, was reviewed, and the proposed Regional Committee resolution on measles and rubella elimination was endorsed.

New global initiatives and reorganization were discussed, including the Global Immunization Vision and Strategy (GIVS), together with the proposed guidelines for immunization of people living with HIV/AIDS. The current status of polio eradication was reviewed and the conclusions and recommendations of the 18th meeting of the Regional Certification Commission held in May 2005 for Polio Eradication were endorsed.