INTERVIEW – The French are called upon to give their opinion on vaccination. As part of the citizen consultation, a website is open to the entire population.
Vaccination is no longer unanimous. Four in ten French people doubt his safety, according to a recent survey. This decline in confidence is not recent, but it tends to worsen. Taking note of the phenomenon, the Ministry of Health launched a citizen consultation in January. At its end, French policy in this area could change.
As part of the consultations, an online space is open for one month. Until October 13, any Internet user can submit their opinion on the vaccine. Before that, the citizens’ juries assembled by the steering committee will submit their suggestions on September 18. On this occasion, Why actor asked Prof. Alain Fischer. This specialist in pediatric immunology chairs the project steering committee.
What question should this consultation answer?
Prof. Alain Fischer: The mission letter sent to me by Marisol Touraine shows a relative loss of confidence in vaccination. The consultation will aim to analyze the elements that explain this, improve confidence and restore immunization coverage. The most important aspect of this step is the meeting of juries of health professionals and citizens in July and this weekend. After the training they will have benefited from on the subject, they will be able to develop and present their reflections.
How do you see the situation in France?
Prof. Alain Fischer: The situation is nuanced in the country. Infant immunization coverage is a solid achievement, which I hope will remain so. But some vaccinations raise concerns, like that against hepatitis B, others suffer from very low coverage – like that against papillomavirus or influenza in adults. The analysis must be done according to the vaccines and the categories of the population.
How do you explain the growing reluctance?
Prof. Alain Fischer: We do not have enough elements to give a precise answer on the causes of the hesitation. The recently published survey (which reports 41% of hesitations, editor’s note) justifies the current process. It is interesting but comprehensive. We need a more detailed view of the elements of reluctance, which can be compared to previous surveys. It will be necessary to respond as best as possible to the problem of the reluctance and hesitation of the population, including those of caregivers. The question of alternatives is obviously on the table, and it is obvious that there will be an answer.
The reluctant are more active on the Internet. How do you plan to deal with it?
Prof. Alain Fischer: We are in a position to take a step back from what is submitted on the Internet. Doing statistics would make no sense: we are in a qualitative process. What should emerge from this consultation are new questions, situations that we have not thought of.
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