About the event

At a time when Europe is facing a growing burden of chronic diseases and a rapidly ageing population, strengthening prevention has become an urgent priority. However, prevention can no longer be conceived as a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Scientific and technological advances are making it increasingly possible to move towards personalised prevention — interventions tailored to each individual’s biological, environmental, behavioural, and socio-economic characteristics.

But what does this mean in the field of immunology and vaccination?

Immunologically vulnerable populations often show specific immune responses to vaccines, and the development of more tailored strategies could significantly improve both vaccine safety and efficacy for these groups. At the same time, new needs and potential vaccine targets are emerging, including in relation to non-infectious diseases. In parallel, changes in public attitudes towards immunisation, evolving policy frameworks, and new regulatory developments are creating both fresh opportunities and important challenges for the advancement of precision vaccinology.

Against this backdrop, and just after the celebration of the 20th European Patients’ Rights Day titled “Empowered citizens, personalised care: a new era for prevention in Europe”, Active Citizenship Network promoted this initiative within the framework of #VaccinAction2026.

This EU policy workshop was designed to provide leaders of Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) with an opportunity to reflect on the emerging role of precision medicine in vaccine development and on its implications for patients and public health.

Objectives of the workshop

The meeting aimed to increase awareness and understanding of:

• the emergence of precision medicine in the development of safe and effective vaccines;

• how tailored vaccine strategies can contribute to public health;

• the potential benefits for adult vulnerable populations;

• the role that patients and civic organisations can play in this evolving field.

The event combined an educational perspective with discussion on policy and advocacy, encouraging exchange among experts, patient representatives, and civil society actors from across Europe.

 In the framework of #VaccinAction2026

This event is part of #VaccinAction2026, the EU initiative promoted by Active Citizenship Network to strengthen vaccination policies across Europe and to highlight the value of civic and patient engagement in immunisation.

WITH THE UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT OF