As part of #VaccinAction2026 EU project, Active Citizenship Network organised the event “Precision vaccinology as a new paradigm: which role for patients’ involvement?”, bringing together experts, patient advocates, healthcare stakeholders and representatives of civil society to discuss the future of vaccination in Europe.

The debate focused on the emerging concept of precision vaccinology, an innovative approach aimed at tailoring vaccination strategies to individual characteristics, risk profiles and population needs, with the potential to improve vaccine effectiveness, confidence and uptake. Participants explored how scientific advances, digital tools and data-driven approaches can contribute to more personalised and effective prevention policies.

Particular attention was devoted to the role of citizens and patients in this evolving landscape. Active Citizenship Network reiterated that meaningful patient involvement is essential to ensure that innovation in vaccinology remains equitable, transparent and responsive to real-world needs. Strengthening health literacy, public trust and stakeholder engagement was recognised as a key prerequisite for the successful implementation of precision vaccination strategies across Europe.

The event also provided an opportunity to reflect on how personalised prevention can contribute to more resilient healthcare systems and to reaffirm the value of vaccination as one of the most effective public health interventions.

Agenda and materials (by clicking on the speakers’ names, you can download their presentations)

13 May 2026 – 09.00 – 13.00

Thon Eu Rue de la Loi 75, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium

Moderator: Daniela Quaggia, Senior Project Manager, Active Citizenship Network (ACN)

09:00- 09:30 Welcome and Introduction:

• Mariano Votta, Director, Active Citizenship Network (ACN)

09.30 - 10.40 Educational Session: precision medicine in the development of safe and effective vaccines; (with Q&A)

• Paolo Palma, Full Professor of Immunology & Pediatrics, Vaccinopolis - University of Antwerp
  (here a recent article on an Italian National Newspaper)

• Patrick Mahy, The Vaccine Monitoring Collaboration for Europe (VAC4EU)

11.00 - 13.00 Session B – Policy & advocacy in practice (including questions & answers)

• Giorgio Barbareschi, European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG) “How do we engage communities to vaccine clinical trials?”

• Zachary Desson, European Health Management Association (EHMA), “RELIEVE: the challenges of pneumococcal vaccination in adult populations.”

• Patricia Palomares, EPSA-European Pharmaceutical Student Association

• Elena Moya, Asociación Española Contra La Meningitis, “Documentary: Meningitis in Galicia”, Spain, and “New EMA advisory group on vaccine confidence”.

• Jasna Karacic, Croatian Association for the Promotion of Patients' Rights, Croatia

13:00 Next steps #VaccinAction2026

Read more: A - B - C – D - E - F

WITH THE UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT OF