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Quarterly Newsletter:
December 2024
Issue #14
Editorial
The need for change through prevention
Sibilia Quilici, Executive Director Vaccines Europe
As we near the end of 2024, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reshape Europe's healthcare future. It has been a year of political intensity, marked by elections that have highlighted the EU's competitive challenges and the critical role of health. With the new Commission now in place, we are optimistic that there is a strong foundation to restore the EU's attractiveness and competitiveness, particularly for the innovative pharmaceutical and vaccine industries. This momentum provides an opportunity to keep health at the forefront of the political agenda, with a renewed focus on preventive health. Indeed, the EU's future depends largely on its ability to invest in prevention. The new mandate represents a unique chance to drive a paradigm shift toward more sustainable health systems and economies, setting the tone for the next five years.
As the European Union enters a new political cycle, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of our healthcare systems. With the new Commission's mandate, we stand at a pivotal moment where we can build on the recent insights and recommendations that have emerged from both the Mission Letter to the Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi and the Niinisto Report on Preparedness. These documents highlight the critical need for a paradigm shift toward prevention.
The Niinisto Report calls for public-private cooperation in health preparedness, going beyond crisis response and encompassing prevention and early detection. This shift is not just a matter of responding to crises faster but also of preventing them before they emerge. The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the power of collaboration between governments and the private sector in vaccine development and distribution. Yet, this model of cooperation should not be used solely for emergencies but should form a new approach to preventive health.
Immunisation is key to combating infectious diseases and addressing major public health challenges like antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Vaccines prevent infections that would otherwise require antibiotics, reducing antimicrobial misuse. A WHO report estimates that increasing vaccine coverage could prevent 106,000 AMR-related deaths annually while developing new vaccines could save 543,000 lives. Current and future vaccines are expected to cut antibiotic use by 22%, saving $30 billion annually in treatment costs and preserving antibiotic effectiveness. When it comes to cardiovascular health, seasonal flu, which affects 1 in 5 Europeans each year, significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for the 60 million people living with CVD. Research shows flu vaccination reduces CVD-related deaths by 33%, the risk of stroke by 26%, and mortality from CVD and COVID-19 by more than 60%.
This preventive approach can save lives and deliver economic benefits. Immunisation reduces the burden on healthcare systems by preventing costly hospitalisations and the spread of disease. The New Economic Governance Framework (NEGF) is an opportunity to embed prevention into EU Member States’ fiscal policies. By treating prevention as an investment, we safeguard citizens' health and bolster our health systems' long-term economic stability. But, despite the proven return on investment, with adult immunisation programs offering up to 19 times their initial cost, just 0.5% of healthcare budgets across most EU countries is dedicated to immunisation.
The shift towards a proactive, prevention-based healthcare model is crucial for building resilient healthcare systems, societies, and economies capable of addressing future challenges. Strengthening collaboration and partnerships among all stakeholders within the ecosystem is key to supporting an EU Immunisation Strategy.
By prioritising prevention, we can create a healthier, more sustainable future for Europe’s healthcare systems and society.
Vaccines Europe External Engagement
EU Flu Day 2024
Since the adoption of the Council Recommendation on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination in 2009, Europe has not only seen limited progress on flu vaccination, but also gone through a pandemic caused by another respiratory virus, COVID-19, as well as a surge in the public health burden of RSV. Now, 15 years after its adoption, and as we begin a new institutional mandate in the European Parliament and Commission, it is timely to reflect on how the 2009 Council Recommendation should be updated to reflect this new landscape.
EU Flu Day 2024 brought together patients, policymakers, academics, health professionals, and industry leaders, to discuss the importance of data surveillance and digitalisation in achieving 75% vaccination uptake for flu as well as for RSV and COVID-19.
Immunisation for Life
The "Immunisation for Life" conference co-organised by The Association of Innovative Pharmaceutical Manufacturers (AIPM) and Vaccines Europe took place on 15 October in Budapest (Hungary) and online. The event gathered experts in the field of immunisation, who discussed lifelong-immunisation, with a focus on the cardiovascular patient groups, as well as pharmacy-based immunisation.
Other events we participated in
- CEE Policy Summit "Boosting vaccine confidence & uptake for #NextGenEU" - 22 November, Zagreb (Croatia) / Virtual
- +Longevity: Adult vaccination as a key priority for health and economic wellbeing - 18 November, Paço de Arcos (Portugal) / Virtual
- 17th European Public Health Conference - 12-15 November, Lisbon (Portugal)
- Balmis Institute of Vaccines Congress 2024 - 7-8 November, Almeria (Spain)
- Ygeiamou Health Conference - 7 November, Athens (Greece)
- World Vaccine Congress Europe - 28-31 October, Barcelona (Spain)
Communications Highlights
98 innovative vaccines in development by Vaccines Europe member companies
On 2nd December, Vaccines Europe published the third edition of its pipeline review, revealing 98 innovative vaccines and monoclonal antibodies in clinical development across 12 different technology platforms. The report highlights the transformative power of immunisation in addressing evolving health challenges such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), climate change and the ageing population.
Sibilia Quilici, Executive Director of Vaccines Europe, said: “The pipeline review highlights the innovative approaches and collaborative efforts that are shaping the future of vaccination in Europe. It underscores the importance of remaining competitive through cutting-edge research and streamlined and harmonised regulatory and access processes across the EU and its Member States. By championing life-course immunisation and fostering an environment of innovation, we can ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of global health and economic prosperity.”
Now is the time to champion #PreventionForChange
As a new EU mandate begins amidst significant challenges for healthcare and beyond, there's never been a more important time to champion prevention. Our new campaign #PreventionForChange underscores the findings from the report by The European House - Ambrosetti published in September, supported by IFPMA and Vaccines Europe. Embedding preventive healthcare such as immunisation into EU Member States’ fiscal policies is paramount to ensure the economic sustainability of healthcare, social care, and welfare systems.
Preventive healthcare not only translates into increased life expectancy and improved quality of life, but also yields economic advantages, such as savings in healthcare spending and increased worker productivity, thereby supporting economic and social growth and resilience.
We need an urgent shift towards prevention-based healthcare models.
How can we #RebootLifeSciences in Europe?
The pharmaceutical sector is one of Europe’s most important strategic assets, delivering innovative medicines, including vaccines, that help Europeans live longer and feel better, while generating investment, jobs, and economic growth.
Securing its future requires a dedicated life science strategy so that the EU can compete with China and the US.
Why Europe needs to act now?
- R&D spending in Europe is consistently outpaced by the US and with increasing competition from China. In the US, R&D investment grew 5.4% between 2010 and 2022 and five times greater (20.7%) in China.
- Europe’s share of global clinical trials dropped from 22% in 2013 to 12% in 2023, and the share of immunisation clinical trials fell from 17% in 2018 to just 8% in 2023. This resulted in 60,000 fewer clinical trial places for Europeans.
New vaccines have helped to eradicate infectious diseases, advances in cancer care are transforming survival rates, hepatitis C can now be cured in 95% of patients and there are new tools to address rare diseases and stem the tide of the obesity epidemic.
With over 12,700 medicines, including vaccines, in development, there is great potential to continue to improve prevention, advance treatment and meet the needs of patients. Discover more in the EFPIA/VE pipeline review.
Immunsation targets the root causes of AMR
A recently published report by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that increasing the coverage of existing vaccines could prevent 106,000 deaths linked to AMR yearly, and developing new vaccines could save each year additional 543,000 lives. Furthermore, current and future vaccines could reduce antibiotic use by 22%. This World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, we reiterated that vaccines are a vital tool in the fight against AMR.
Collaboration is key to protect Europeans from a 'tripledemic' this season
Respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV pose a serious health challenge and inflict a significant burden on healthcare systems. Every year, 1 in 5 Europeans gets flu, and 371,000 children and adults are hospitalised with RSV. 160,000 adults are hospitalised with RSV. Although the pandemic is over, COVID-19 continues to claim lives, with 1.1 million people dying from it in 2022 alone. And yet, vaccination rates for respiratory infections are very low. Collaboration between all stakeholders at EU and national levels is key to ensure people are protected through high vaccination uptake.
Key Figures
106,000
Increasing the coverage of existing vaccines could prevent 106,000 deaths linked to AMR yearly
80%
Over 80% of the vaccine candidates in the pipeline of Vaccines Europe member companies are for adults
Health Policy Highlights
Strengthening Europe’s preparedness and readiness: Report by Special Adviser Niinistö
Sauli Niinistö, former President of Finland and Special Adviser to the European Commission, has delivered a report calling for an ambitious new approach to EU preparedness. In his recommendations, Mr Niinistö underscores the pivotal role of public-private partnerships, emphasising that “cooperation in health preparedness should not be limited to crisis response but encompass prevention and early detection…” Highlighting lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the report notes how collaborative efforts between governments and pharmaceutical companies accelerated vaccine development, regulatory approval, and equitable distribution across Member States. The report also highlights enhancing supply chain resilience by diversifying manufacturing, securing sources of raw materials, and investing in cold chain infrastructure.
In addition, persistent gaps in data sharing present a barrier to effective crisis response. Essential metrics like production rates, potential supply chain disruptions, and the state of strategic stockpiles are often withheld due to concerns about commercial sensitivity or national security. The report calls for mechanisms to address these concerns, such as frameworks for confidential and aggregated data sharing, to build trust between the private sector and Member States. Strengthening trust, fostering collaboration, and developing clear procedures among stakeholders are essential. The increasing global incidence of zoonotic diseases calls for a concerted effort to develop and implement new strategies and technologies for disease prevention, preparedness and management. Vaccines Europe is committed to working with all stakeholders to help prepare for the next pandemic.
Von der Leyen Commission 2024-2029 - Who's who for health?
Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner, Health and Animal Welfare
The von der Leyen Commission II officially took office on December 1, unveiling its priorities for 2024-2029. In her mission letter to Commissioner Várhelyi, President von der Leyen called for “a comprehensive approach to health promotion and disease prevention across the life course.” Among major shifts following the Commissioner hearings, the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) will now be led by Commissioner Hadja Lahbib. Despite this portfolio adjustment, Várhelyi will retain leadership of the Critical Medicines Act aimed at tackling Europe’s drug shortages and which he has committed to delivering within the first 100 days if the Commission. The Act focuses on bolstering pharmaceutical manufacturing, diversifying supply chains, and reducing regional inequalities in access to critical medicines. Other key initiatives in Várhelyi’s portfolio include the European Biotech Act along with leading efforts to conclude work on the EU Pharmaceutical Legislation, combating AMR, and implementing Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, which Várhelyi plans to use as a model in developing a dedicated CVH plan as per von der Leyen’s call to invest in NCD prevention.
Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality and Preparedness and Crisis Management
As the new Head of HERA, Commissioner Lahbib is tasked with strengthening pandemic preparedness and response. HERA’s expanded role includes global health threat monitoring, critical medicine stockpiling, and developing novel vaccines to enhance Europe’s health security. As part of her portfolio, Commissioner Lahbib will work to develop and implement an EU Preparedness Union Strategy building on former President Niinisto’s report as well as a new strategy to support medical countermeasures against public health threats.
Ekaterina Zaharieva, Commissioner for Startups, Research and Innovation
Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva’s portfolio will focus on putting research and innovation, science, and technology at the centre of the EU economy. During her opening remarks at EFPIA's recent conference, Commissioner Zaharieva emphasised that “life sciences represent an inestimable wealth for Europe” noting that to enhance Europe’s competitiveness and wellbeing, the new Commission will work on a Life Sciences Strategy and a European Innovation Act, aiming to simplify the EU’s regulatory framework and improve capital access for innovative companies.
New European Parliament Committee on Public Health (SANT)
After months of negotiation, the European Parliament has agreed to establish the Public Health Committee (SANT) as a standalone Committee with full legislative status, evolving it from its previous status as a subcommittee under the Environment Committee (ENVI). The new SANT committee will focus exclusively on health-related matters, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, public health preparedness, mental health, bioterrorism, patient rights, and relations with the World Health Organization (WHO). This streamlined mandate aims to prioritise health issues without overlap with ENVI, which will retain food safety, pesticides, and chemicals legislation. The committee will also oversee the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Discussions continue on transferring legislation and members from ENVI to SANT, with an official vote on the new committee’s scope and membership expected in the coming months. Vaccines Europe is committed to supporting the Committee’s impactful work in advancing Europe’s health, economy and global leadership.
The Council Conclusions on Cardiovascular Health (CVH) - Important role of vaccination
The Council of the European Union has adopted its Conclusions on improving cardiovascular health (CVH), emphasising the importance of vaccination for individuals with increased cardiovascular risk or existing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Conclusions highlight evidence that vaccination against infections—such as influenza, pneumococcal, SARS-CoV-2, and respiratory syncytial virus—is especially critical for at risk patients. Strengthening awareness campaigns and emphasising the protection offered by vaccination are key recommendations to improve health outcomes in these groups. The conclusions also call for integrating vaccination into systematic screening programs across national health systems. While language calling for a standalone EU CVH Plan was excluded, the conclusions draw on Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan to propose an integrated framework for addressing CVD as part of a comprehensive approach to non-communicable diseases. During the EPSCO Council debate on the matter however, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Oliver Varhelyi, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to CVH by announcing plans to build on these Conclusions with a comprehensive EU CVH Plan.
Vaccines Europe welcomes the recognition of the protective role of vaccination by the Council Conclusions as a positive first step towards ensuring people with CVD live healthier lives but more work is needed. This includes harmonising the recommendations for vaccination against respiratory viruses and supporting the education of healthcare professionals on the value of vaccination to boost uptake.
What We Are Reading & Watching
IMAGINE a healthier, more competitive Europe - annual conference by EFPIA
Health at a Glance: Europe 2024 - report by the European Commission
Global report on infection prevention and control 2024 - report by the World Health Organization (WHO)
Wastewater poliovirus detections in the EU call for continued strong surveillance and high vaccination coverage rates - news item by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Give our health systems some room to breathe: The impact of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia - a report by the European Health Management Association (EHMA)
