ECDC calls for increased coverage of flu and Covid vaccinations ahead of winter

In two reports published on Tuesday by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), vaccination rates against seasonal influenza and covid for risk groups such as older people were suboptimal in several EU/EEA member states during 2023-2023. Season 2024.

The report highlights the high variability in data across countries. In fact, it states that vaccination rates for people aged 65 and older in the 2023-2024 season ranged from 12% to 78% across states, with only two countries exceeding 75% vaccination coverage in this age group. “This highlights the need for more targeted vaccination efforts,” they said.

In the case of Covid, the difference is even greater, as vaccination rates between September 2023 and July 2024 ranged from 0.02% to 66.1%, with average coverage among people aged 60 and over just 14%.

“Vaccination is one of the most effective measures we have to protect the most vulnerable members of society from serious illness, hospitalization and death. With so few countries achieving adequate levels of protection for target groups, it is critical to increase vaccination rates ahead of the winter season,” said Pamela Rendi-Wagner, ECDC Director.

As the winter season approaches, co-circulation of seasonal influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses is expected, which will place significant pressure on healthcare systems and disproportionately affect high-risk people such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems and concomitant diseases.