New paper from the GCoVS project focussed on GBS validation
A new paper from the VAC4EU network was published in Vaccine as part of the Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) project, an initiative coordinated by the Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) with extensive involvement from VAC4EU. The authors describe how they estimated the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) across several data sources from our network. VAC4EU played a key role in enabling European participation in this work, which demonstrates the impact of coordinated case validation across multiple real-world data sources and global collaboration. The research also highlights that Brighton Collaboration criteria and in-hospital medical records are essential for accurate GBS validation, as diagnostic certainty improved significantly when cases were identified through hospital data.
New Journal Club session 26 February!
Sabrina Giometto will present at the next appointment of the VAC4EU Journal Club. Register now to secure your spot!
VAC4EU sets standard for harmonised case validation in real-world data studies
Our most recent open-source paper was published last week in Clinical Epidemiology! The article describes how VAC4EU developed a scalable pipeline for outcome validation using Brighton Collaboration case definitions and adapting Levels of Certainty criteria for real-world data as needed. Beyond VAC4EU, this framework could now become a blueprint for other researchers conducting retrospective pharmacoepidemiology studies with multiple heterogenous databases.
Uncertainty in science: Should we say more, or less? New Journal Club session 21 January
A more scientifically literate public enables better engagement and understanding on complex socioscientific issues like COVID-19 or climate change. But how far do we need to go as researchers, communicators and educators? In a world full of misinformation, how do we communicate results effectively without overselling the impact? Do we need to explain the uncertain […]
VAC4EU celebrates 5 years: Reflections and future directions
On the 4th of November 2025, 150 people came together both online and in Brussels for a milestone event celebrating the 5th anniversary of VAC4EU. The symposium brought together members, regulators, and key stakeholders in the real-world evidence landscape to reflect on achievements over the last five years and chart the course for the future. The day was filled with insightful discussions on the history and status of VAC4EU, looking forward to the future […]
New edition of VAC4EU Community Newsletter
We’ve certainly been busy since our last newsletter in January, with a lot to share in this new edition of the VAC4EU Community Newsletter. What has the network been up to so far in 2025, anyway? Find out in the newest edition of the VAC4EU Community Newsletter. This edition covers network updates, recaps on recent […]
Celebrate 5 years of VAC4EU with a symposium dedicated to pandemic preparedness
VAC4EU will be celebrating its 5th anniversary in Brussels on the 4th of November with a full-day hybrid symposium focused on discussing the role of vaccines in pandemic preparedness. Join experts from the fields of vaccinology, vaccine development, pharmacovigilance, pharmacoepidemiology, health policy, public health and regulatory practice to continue the discussion. Be sure to register!
Interested in vaccine safety in pregnancy? Join us for the next VAC4EU Journal Club appointment!
When public health becomes a political battlefield, pregnant women and their babies become collateral damage. In a world where vaccine misinformation outpaces science we urgently need transparent and robust evidence to protect vulnerable populations. Samantha Duckworth will present the paper “A Post-Authorisation Safety Study of a Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine in Pregnant Women and Their […]