Our recent consultation meeting brought together PWS Associations and key stakeholders from several countries to discuss vaccination, with a focus on children and adults with PWS and other disabilities. The session featured two expert speakers from University College London, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, both with long-standing experience in vaccination policy, research and clinical practice. The aim of the meeting was to provide clear, evidence‑based information and to address questions commonly raised by families and professionals.
Dr David Elliman opened the meeting with an overview of how vaccines work, the types of vaccines in routine use, and the balance between benefits and side effects. He emphasised that all medical interventions carry some risk, but that serious adverse reactions to vaccines are rare. Importantly, he confirmed that there is no evidence that people with PWS have a different safety profile from the general population. For people with PWS, who are often more vulnerable to respiratory illness, vaccines such as influenza, pneumococcal and COVID‑19 remain particularly important.
Watch Dr David Elliman’s video presentation.
Dr Helen Bedford then discussed vaccine uptake and why vaccination rates have fallen in many countries. Using measles as an example, she described how declining vaccination coverage is leading to renewed outbreaks worldwide, despite the availability of a highly effective and affordable vaccine. She explained that most parents support vaccination and that outright refusal is uncommon. More often, missed or delayed vaccinations are linked to access issues, service pressures, or unresolved questions. Dr Bedford highlighted that children and adults with disabilities can face additional barriers to vaccination, despite being at greater risk from infectious diseases, and stressed the importance of clear recommendations from healthcare professionals.
Watch Dr Helen Bedford’s video presentation.
The discussion that followed explored vaccine access, global inequalities, and the importance of advocacy. The meeting concluded with a shared recognition that improving access to services and supporting informed conversations are central to maintaining trust in vaccination and protecting vulnerable communities.