EU and the UK
date: 26/04/2019
Brits trust vaccines in general but a few do not see need to get one
The majority of Brits trust that vaccines can prevent diseases such as measles, meningitis or flu, but a lot of people do not see a need to be vaccinated and an even greater number think that vaccines can have serious side effects. The data comes from a Eurobarometer survey released today as part of European Immunisation Week. The answers to the survey show that 53% of UK citizens believe vaccines can prevent diseases – comparable to the EU average but well behind the leaders Denmark (81%). In the same time, 54% of Brits (more than the EU average of 48%) think vaccines can produce serious side effect. 58% in the UK believe vaccines do not weaken the immunes system and 49% trust they vaccines do not cause the disease they are supposed to protect from. However, more than a third (34%) believe the contrary, that in fact they can cause the disease. 38% do not see a need to be vaccinated.
Two innovative projects with UK participants selected for EU funding
Two innovative projects with UK partners are among 13 projects selected by the European Commission to receive a total funding of €33.12 million to bring innovations faster to market. The projects, involving 54 partners in 17 countries, will receive around €2 million each. The funding comes from Fast Track to Innovation scheme under the European Innovation Council. The projects work on topics ranging from recycling technology for rubber from old tyres, a magnetic ink barcode reader for anti-counterfeiting purposes, next generation photovoltaic windows, and a neuro-prosthesis that allows amputees to feel sensory feedback from the prosthesis.
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