The European Medicines Agency has announced the formation of a new advisory group on vaccine confidence as part of its broader efforts to address rising vaccine hesitancy and strengthen public trust in immunisation programmes.

The initiative comes at a time when declining confidence in vaccines is increasingly seen as a major global public health concern. Reduced trust can lead to the resurgence of infectious diseases, posing significant risks to communities. EMA aims to counter this trend by enhancing transparency and providing clear, science-based information on vaccine safety, efficacy and approval processes.

According to Emer Cooke, the creation of this advisory group marks an important step in reinforcing efforts to rebuild trust, protect public health and support informed decision-making.

The advisory group will convene on a quarterly basis and comprises a diverse set of stakeholders, including academics, healthcare professionals, representatives from medical societies, patient organisations and public health bodies. Its role will be to provide strategic guidance on understanding vaccine hesitancy and shaping effective communication strategies.

Key objectives of the group include analysing trends in vaccine hesitancy, advising on initiatives to improve public confidence, enhancing communication around the benefits and risks of vaccines and supporting broader science outreach efforts.

This initiative is part of EMA’s Vaccine Outreach Strategy, which focuses on improving awareness of vaccine quality, safety and effectiveness while empowering both the public and healthcare professionals to make informed vaccination choices. The strategy also includes identifying public concerns, collaborating with healthcare networks and developing targeted communication campaigns.

As part of its ongoing efforts, EMA has partnered with organisations such as the European Academy of Paediatrics to develop educational tools like ‘Vaccine Essentials,’ aimed at improving vaccine literacy. The agency also participates in awareness campaigns such as European Immunisation Week and regularly publishes factual information to counter misinformation and address public concerns.

Through this advisory group and broader outreach initiatives, EMA seeks to strengthen confidence in vaccines and ensure continued protection against preventable diseases.