Dr Anne Sophie Ronnaux-Baron cdhs@cdhs.fr [10]

Description of the initiative [11]

Q1: How did this initiative start?  What were the needs it addressed?

A: The initiative began in 2015, due to the realization that some vaccination programs were being challenged and that there was an increase in mistrust in France.

To meet these concerns, the main objective of the Immuniser Lyon program was to raise awareness among stakeholders and the general population about infectious disease prevention and lifelong immunization. It was the first time a project was based on the initiative and actions of an independent public-private collective in the metropolitan area of Lyon.

Q2: Can you describe how civil society was included in your project?

A: The Immuniser Lyon collective relays to be present and to answer the questions of the general public during numerous events involving people of all ages. Patient associations and health networks are partners in the initiative.

Q3: Why do you think it was important to include civil society in your project?

A: In order to answer a need for information. Indeed, many studies confirm that the French population has many questions to ask about vaccination.

The association of more than 35 partners marks an institutional commitment, reinforces the importance of defending vaccination and organizing a reference network to find reliable, verified and referenced information.

Q4: What was found to influence the attitudes / beliefs of the population towards vaccination?

A: The vast majority of French people are hesitant regarding vaccination because of conflicting messages in the press and the media. Being able to talk directly with them, listen to them and provide them a platform for voicing their concerns and questions is sufficient to provide reassurance.

Q5: Are adults and older people also concerned by vaccines?

A: Of course, vaccination concerns all citizens, regardless of age, for them or their families. Immunization protects against infectious diseases at all ages.

Q6: What trustworthy information sources for websites would you recommend?

A: Immuniser Lyon recommends all websites of health authorities: vaccination-info-service.fr, Public Health France, mesvaccins.net ...

Q7: What is the main message Immuniser Lyon wants to communicate?

A: Immuniser Lyon invites health professionals and the general public to check their vaccination status, with the slogan: for us it's done!

Q8: Was there an evaluation of the project conducted? If yes, what were the results?

A: Several qualitative and quantitative evaluations are ongoing.

Q9: Do you think your project could be implemented in other regions / countries / communities? Has this already been the case?

A: Yes this is already the case in Nice with Vacci 'Nice, and other projects are underway in Montpellier, Bordeaux and Nantes.

Q10: Please feel free to add any other comments you might have.

A: You will find on our website, the news from the project partners and up-to-date vaccination recommendations. We remain at your disposal for further information.