Special edition on our commitment
to vaccination and respiratory care

Supporting public vaccination policies: a collection of grassroots mobilisation initiatives across Europe
This newly published handbook aims to provide a variety of activity types for individuals seeking to contribute to prevention and immunisation efforts but lacking the necessary guidance. It serves as a practical guide, offering actionable insights and ideas to inspire associations and enhance vaccination policies within their specific contexts. The handbook was developed by Active Citizenship Network in collaboration with Patient Advocacy Groups (PAGs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). It was edited and designed by MD Health. Read more and download it.

New EU project on RSV and maternal vaccination
In line with our long-standing commitment to vaccination policies, and in line with what has already been achieved in Italy by Cittadinanzattiva, Active Citizenship Network will be involved at European level in 2026 in the area of Respiratory Syncytial Virus, with activities aimed at informing, motivating and involving various civic and patient associations from different European countries on this issue. Read more

Special session on the #VaccinAction social media campaign
The message is clear: from protecting people with chronic conditions to strengthening health systems, we need stronger EU action to make adult immunisation a true public health priority.
Watch this space to hear from voices across Europe and find out more (A – B) about the #VaccinAction2025 campaign, which is being disseminated in nine languages by Active Citizenship Network in collaboration with 14 patient advocacy groups (PAGs) and civil society organisations (CSOs), whose leaders are acting as testimonials.

Too many adults miss out on vaccinations simply because they’re not prioritised in policy. The Greek Patients Association and the Institute of Research for Innovation and Development have joined ACN in calling for EU health strategies that prioritise adult immunisation. Read more from the two Greek ACN partners.

When we invest in vaccinations, we invest in people. The Polish Alliance for Healthy Breathing in partnership with ACN, highlights that every euro invested in adult immunisation generates significant returns in the form of healthier communities, lower healthcare costs, and stronger workforces. Prevention pays in every sense. Read more from our the Polish partner organization.

Too often, adult immunisation is overlooked in public health priorities. The Sociedade Portuguesa de Literacia em Saúde has joined forces with ACN to emphasise the importance of protecting adults through vaccination in order to build stronger, more resilient health systems. Read more from the Portuguese ACN partner.

The Association of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases and Patient Organizations with You are working with ACN to raise awareness of the importance of flu vaccinationsfor heart health. Read more from the two Bulgarian ACN partners.

For people living with a chronic illness or disability, infections can have severe consequences. Hear from European Patients Empowerment for Customised Solutions, who have joined ACN to emphasise the importance of vaccination in every care plan. Read more from the Dutch ACN partner.

Immunisation is about more than just preventing infections; it's about protecting health at every stage of life. Hear Cittadinanzattiva call for stronger EU action to embed vaccination throughout the life course, from adulthood to healthy ageing. By making immunisation a lifelong commitment, we can promote healthier ageing and reinforce Europe's efforts to combat chronic disease. Read more.

People with diabetes are far more likely to develop serious lung infections, but vaccines can help to prevent this. Fundacja MY Pacjenci joins ACN to explain how vaccination can lead to stronger immune responses and better protection. Read more from the Polish ACN partner.

As we grow older, our immune defences naturally decline, and chronic illnesses put extra strain on them. The Foro Español de Pacientes is joining forces with ACN to urge that vaccination is made simple, accessible and equitable for every older adult across Europe. Read more from our Spanish partner organisation.

For people with diabetes, the immune system is more vulnerable, making respiratory infections such as flu or pneumonia more dangerous. The Instytut Praw Pacjenta i Edukacji Zdrowotnej explains why these vaccines should be a public health priority for this group, thereby echoing ACN’s call for equitable protection. Read more from the Polish ACN partner.

For people with long-term conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, even mild infections can exacerbate their condition. Coaliția Organizațiilor Pacienților cu Afecțiuni Cronice has joined ACN to highlight how vaccines can protect against this hidden risk, safeguarding both health and independence. Read more from the Romanian ACN partner.

For people with chronic conditions, vaccination is an effective way to prevent illness and ease pressure on hospitals. The Institute of Research for Innovation and Development and the Greek Patients Association have joined ACN in urging for higher vaccine uptake and stronger awareness across Europe. Read more from the two Greek ACN partners.

A large proportion of deaths worldwide are caused by chronic illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. However, vaccines can help to reduce this number by preventing infections that exacerbate these conditions. The Bulgarian Association for Patients Defence joins ACN in highlighting the importance of vaccination in the fight against non-communicable diseases. Read more from the Bulgarian ACN partner.

Vaccination isn’t just for childhood, it’s for life. Hear from the Irish Patients Association, who have joined ACN to champion life-course immunisation and ensure that older adults receive the same protection that they worked so hard to secure for younger generations. Read more from our Irish partner.

Check your #Vaxfacts with the European Vaccination Info Portal.

Council Recommendation on immunisation against respiratory infections
In the context of the EU Cardiovascular Health Plan, now titled the “EU Safe Hearts Plan”, the European Commission will propose a Council Recommendation on immunisation against respiratory infections as a preventive measure for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Following suggestions and engagement from the Steering Group on Prevention of Respiratory Infections (of which the Active Citizenship Network is a member), the scope of the flagship initiative for a Council Recommendation on vaccination against respiratory infections now explicitly includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumococcal disease, as well as influenza and COVID-19. Read more.

Children's health is not a policy experiment
The World Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) — an official partner of ACN — is deeply concerned by the announced overhaul of the United States' childhood vaccination programme. Disrupting established schedules can lead to delayed or missed vaccinations, renewed outbreaks of preventable diseases, avoidable hospitalisations, and avoidable deaths. History has shown us that even modest declines in vaccine coverage can lead to severe, rapid consequences for children. Read more

Report on immunization and chronic disease management
Following the roundtable, which the Director of the Active Citizenship Network also attended, the Global Coalition on Aging published the report, “Vaccine-Preventable Respiratory Disease, Life Course Immunization, And Chronic Disease Management: The Healthy Aging Difference”. Download the document.

Official agreement with the Infectious Disease Alliance (IDA)
Active Citizenship Network is delighted to announce the signing of an official Memorandum of Understanding with the Infectious Disease Alliance. IDA is an independent, non-profit global public health advocacy organization dedicated to strengthening the prevention, preparedness and response to infectious diseases. Read more about ACN's new partner.

The book “Vaccines and Vaccinations for Adults: A European Textbook” is now available!
This comprehensive reference textbook on adult vaccines and immunisation practices is tailored to the European context. It has been promoted and edited by the Adult Immunization Board (AIB), of which Cittadinanzattiva-Active Citizenship Network is a member. The AIB is an international board of experts that aims to spread the culture of adult immunisation and promote its implementation in Europe. The ACN Director is also the co-author of the chapter “Adult Vaccination Policy in Europe: Governance and Key Stakeholders”. Read more

19-21 March 2026 | Singapore | 5th Edition of the International Public Health Conference
The Director of Active Citizenship Network has been invited to speak on vaccination related policy at the 5th edition of the International Public Health Conference (IPHC), a hybrid event scheduled to take place in Singapore and online from 19–21 March 2026. Read more

13-15 April 2026 | Paris (France) | 4th International Conference on Vaccines Research and Development
The Director of Active Citizenship Network has been invited to speak at Vaccines Conference 2026, which is scheduled to take place in Paris in April. With the occasion, the new ACN handbook on the topic will also be presented at the event. Read more

17-19 August 2026 | London (UK) | Global Public Health and Epidemiology Congress
The Director of Active Citizenship Network has been invited to speak at the Global Public Health and Epidemiology Congress (G-PHEC 2026), which is scheduled to take place in London in August. The title of his presentation is “Grassroots Mobilisation across Europe: Leveraging Civil Society and Community Leadership to Bridge Gaps in Vaccine Coverage”. Read more.

European Parliament, Brussels | EUROPEAN PATIENTS’ RIGHTS DAY 2026, 20th Edition: Three media partners will support the initiative
Health Europa, TrendSanità and Pubtexto Publishers are the media partners of the 20th edition of the official celebration of the European Patients’ Rights Day (EPRD), which is promoted by Cittadinanzattiva/Active Citizenship Network as always and is titled “Empowered citizens, personalised care: a new era for prevention in Europe”. The event will recognise personalised prevention as a human right, directly linked to the “Right to Preventive Measures”, the first principle stated in the European Charter of Patients’ Rights.
Currently, EU member states dedicate 97% of their healthcare budgets to treatment, while spending an average of just 2.8% on preventive care. In a scenario of tighter budget constraints, the value of prevention becomes immeasurable. By reducing disease prevalence and avoiding costly treatments, prevention plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of healthcare, social care, and welfare systems. Read more