Santé publique France, the national public health agency, is issuing a call for applications to establish an ad hoc thematic support group on vaccination.

The missions of Santé publique France – The National Public Health Agency

The national public health agency, established by Order No. 2016-462 of April 14, 2016, is a public administrative institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Health.

Its missions are:

• epidemiological observation and monitoring of the health status of the population;

• monitoring health risks threatening the population;

• health promotion and the reduction of health risks;

• developing prevention and health education;

• preparing for and responding to health threats, alerts, and crises;

• issuing health alerts.

"Within its scope of competence and to carry out its missions, the agency applies expertise consistent with the principles set forth in Article L. 1452-1. Its opinions and recommendations are issued in accordance with the provisions of Article L. 1452-2. Subject to respect for privacy and secrets protected by law, in particular the rules relating to the protection of national defense secrets, its opinions and recommendations are made public."

Mandate of the Thematic Support Working Group

Following the request by the Minister of Health to create a reference website for vaccination and given the extent of vaccine hesitancy in France, Santé publique France wishes to establish a support group to assist in the production of the following tools: a general public version and a professional version of the “vaccinations info service” website, information and vaccination promotion materials for the general public and professionals, and informational documents related to vaccination. Santé publique France will provide the thematic support group with up-to-date knowledge on:

• the epidemiology of vaccine-preventable diseases;

• vaccination coverage indicators;

• insights into perceptions of vaccination among both healthcare professionals and the general public.

The development of the "healthcare professionals" section of the vaccinations info service website and the creation of a vaccination promotion initiative are planned for the second half of 2017. Ultimately, it may be appropriate for the support group to assist the Agency in preparing responses to questions posed by the public and professionals regarding vaccination and in enriching the vaccination website.

Composition of the ad hoc thematic support group

This ad hoc thematic support group will consist of approximately fifteen members, appointed by the Director General of Santé publique France.

Group members will serve in their personal capacity and therefore cannot be replaced.

The expertise required for this group must enable the analysis of all elements necessary for the expected output, including societal and communication issues.

Required expertise

General qualifications

• experience in implementing projects in the relevant fields;

• writing skills;

• ability to work collaboratively;

• Experience participating in working groups;

• experience in formulating actionable recommendations for decision-makers, health prevention and promotion stakeholders, and the general public.

Specific skills

• humanities and social sciences;

• various medical specialties such as public health, general medicine, pediatrics, infectious diseases, geriatrics, occupational medicine, maternal and child health (PMI), school or university medicine;

• relevant healthcare professionals: nurses, pharmacists, midwives;

• experience in health communication;

• journalism;

• civil society representatives.

Functioning of the ad hoc thematic support group

This ad hoc thematic support group is established for a period of 3 years. The group is scheduled to begin its work in May 2017. The group will meet for a maximum of one day per month during 2017, and as needed via telephone to meet the deadlines for delivering outputs.

Members will sign a “Confidentiality Agreement and a Commitment to Attend Meetings Regularly” and to participate in any necessary drafting or proofreading work in between meetings.

Members will have access to information held by Santé publique France that is necessary for the requested work.

The Director General of Santé publique France will provide the resources necessary for the group’s operations.

The scientific and administrative secretariat for this group will be provided by the Directorate of Prevention and Health Promotion (DPPS) of Santé publique France.

The group may conduct hearings with any individual whose knowledge and experience are deemed necessary for its mission, particularly regarding the feasibility and operationality of the proposed recommendations.

Compensation and Travel Expenses

Travel and accommodation expenses are reimbursed under the conditions applicable to civilian government employees.

Compensation for members of the support committee for attending meetings and producing work (proofreading and editing texts prepared by the Agency, drafting content, etc.) will be based on the scale established by the Board of Directors of Santé publique France.

Application Procedures

The application must be submitted by May 12, 2017, to the following address: candidature_GT_DPPS@santepubliquefrance.fr

The application package must include:

• a cover letter including professional and personal contact information;

• a resume;

• a list of works/publications from the past 5 years;

• a public declaration of interest to be completed via the application available at http://dpi.santepubliquefrance.fr

Selection Process

Only complete applications will be considered.

Selection of applications for the ad hoc thematic support group on vaccination in France will be based on the information provided in the cover letter, the candidates’ alignment with the required skills, an analysis of conflicts of interest, and the necessary multidisciplinary and diverse composition of the group to address the full scope of the issue at hand.

Expressions of interest will be reviewed by the Internal Ethics Committee of Santé publique France.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the review of their application via email from the group’s secretariat.

Members of the ad hoc thematic support group are appointed by decision of the Director General of Santé publique France; the group’s composition is published on the agency’s website.

Staff members of central government agencies, Regional Health Agencies (ARS), and members of the Scientific Council, the Ethics and Professional Conduct Committee, and the Steering and Dialogue Committee of Santé publique France are not eligible to apply.