MENA Newswire News Desk: Seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccination rates among high-risk groups in the EU and European Economic Area (EEA) showed significant variation across Member States during the 2023-2024 season, according to reports from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) released today. The findings highlight a concerning disparity in vaccination coverage for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, with implications for health outcomes this winter.
The ECDC reports indicate that flu vaccination coverage among those aged 65 and over ranged from 12 to 78 percent across EU/EEA countries last season, with only two countries achieving the 75 percent target recommended for this age group. This level of variance underscores the need for more consistent vaccination campaigns targeting elderly populations, who remain among the most susceptible to severe influenza complications.
COVID-19 vaccination rates among individuals aged 60 and above showed an even wider disparity between September 2023 and July 2024, with national coverage ranging from just 0.02 percent to 66.1 percent. The median COVID-19 vaccination coverage within this demographic was 14 percent, reflecting a significant gap in protective measures for one of the groups most vulnerable to severe outcomes from COVID-19 infections.
“Vaccination remains one of the most effective measures we have to protect the most vulnerable in society from severe disease, hospitalization, and death,” said Pamela Rendi-Wagner, Director of the ECDC. “With so few countries reaching adequate levels of protection for target groups, it is essential to increase vaccination uptake as we enter the winter season.”
In addition to promoting vaccination, the ECDC has recommended several preventive measures to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. These include staying at home if symptoms of respiratory infection arise, adhering to respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette, frequent handwashing, and ventilating indoor spaces. Wearing masks in crowded areas or when in proximity to vulnerable individuals is also advised for individuals experiencing symptoms.
As European health agencies brace for increased respiratory infections this winter, public health authorities emphasize that targeted efforts to enhance vaccine uptake are critical. With ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent vaccination rates, health officials urge Member States to address logistical and informational barriers to improve public access to vaccines, particularly for groups at higher risk.
The ECDC’s recommendations and data underscore the importance of these preventive health measures, which aim to lessen the burden on healthcare systems across the EU and EEA during the seasonal peak of respiratory illnesses.