The time is right for change: UVIG supports call for greater transparency and involvement in vaccine review

10 March 2009

UVIG welcomes the report published today by 2020 Health* considering the current system for the review and policy recommendation for vaccines. The authors conclude that expert opinion supports the continued independence of the Joint Committee of Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI); and based on the evidence the authors recommend that the working processes of the JCVI must be reviewed and reformed to bring them in line with current best practice.

UVIG supports these recommendations. It too has called for reform of the current processes. In particular improvements in setting out a clear vaccine public health strategy, transparency of process, and opportunity for consultation to support immunisation programmes in the UK.

“UVIG does not question the quality of the decisions made by the JCVI” said Richard Stubbins, Chairman of UVIG. “Rather we would like to see improvements to the process, so that it can keep pace with the extensive research and development into new vaccines.”

There are vaccines in research and development that could be available in the UK in the next 5 – 10 years which would protect against infectious diseases such as meningococcal disease and hepatitis C

UVIG has identified areas for reform:

1. Understanding the Government’s vaccine priorities and strategy: publishing the public health agenda for the UK and establishing a formal horizon scanning process to keep pace with research and development.

2. Greater stakeholder interaction: in line with other similar organisations there needs to be opportunity for consultation with all stakeholders, including an option to present evidence to the JCVI itself.

3. Greater clarity around the economic evidence base: the requirements for Health Economic data, including societal benefits, need to be made clear

4. Expanded publication of JCVI material and deliberations: the JCVI should publish its processes and timelines; earlier publication of meeting agendas and minutes; and make public the rationale for vaccine recommendations.


Richard Stubbins concluded “The time is right for change. If manufacturers, and others, are better informed, and better understand the UK’s priorities and processes, there is likely to be greater alignment between vaccine development and the Government’s plans, delivering clear public health benefits.”


Notes:

The UK Vaccine Industry Group represents those companies that manufacture and supply vaccines to the UK. Its members are Baxter, GSK, Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, Sanofi Pasteur MSD, Solvay Healthcare and Wyeth Vaccines.


For more information contact:
Alison Lawrence
T: +44(0)20 8340 3258
M: +44(0)7949 270345
E: alison@uvig.org


* ‘Not immune: UK vaccination policy in a changing world’ 2020 Health March 2009 http://www.2020health.org/news/news67.html