“European countries aim to vaccinate 75% of older adults against influenza. Can this be extended to high-risk groups? Should we also include a vaccine for RSV?’
In 2009, EU health ministers set a national target of vaccinating at least 75% of older adults with influenza vaccination. This proved to be a challenge. Most of us have never achieved our goals. Some are very far away.
The latest available data shows that Denmark has achieved the 75% target, with Ireland, Portugal and the Netherlands consistently approaching the target (ECDC source). The United Kingdom, which is not included in this dataset, also targets the 65+ age group.
However, a lot has happened during this time, including the global coronavirus pandemic and increased flu vaccination rates. In some countries, you can now get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.
Read more: Can new RSV vaccine ease winter pressure on hospitals?
In addition, new vaccines against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are being developed, and people living with long-term conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes can become seriously ill if infected. There is a growing recognition that the risks are high. respiratory virus.
Fifteen years after the landmark influenza target was set, Europe is heading into a new flu season, with experts warning of a “triple epidemic” of influenza, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus. Some medical professionals think it’s time to reconsider the 75% influenza vaccination coverage goal.
Spanish lawmaker Dolores Montserrat is calling on the European Council to update the targets to reflect the changes seen since 2009. In her EU Influenza Day message, she said goals should include vaccination against other respiratory viruses and aim to protect everyone at risk. Individual.
Montserrat is co-chair of the Influenza Steering Group, a group of academics, scientists, health professionals, and civil society organizations that advocates for increased access to influenza vaccines. The Steering Group hosted an event in the European Parliament this month (16 October 2024) to highlight the opportunity to address the 70,000 EU deaths caused by influenza each year.
Family testimonies on EU Influenza Day
Among the highlights of the EU Influenza Day event was the contribution of Anais and Davey Cotting. Anais, a healthcare worker, developed severe complications from influenza that had a life-changing impact. Davey writes about the experience and its impact on his young family: “How my wife’s flu infection changed our lives.”
Anais spoke of the physical and mental suffering she suffered, including having her legs amputated and her breathing impaired. She is no longer able to work and Davey is now caring for her and her daughter full-time.
“The flu has taken a lot from us. We can’t live like before,” she said. “We are sharing testimonies to help people understand (the impact of influenza). Influenza is often thought of as something like a cold, but it is much more serious than that. Vaccination can protect everyone, not just the vulnerable.
Putting prevention at the heart of health
The importance of vaccination for people living with ongoing health conditions has been highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many countries, vulnerable groups were given priority for COVID-19 vaccination.
But patient advocates want this preventative approach to continue given the additional risks faced by heart patients and those who have previously had a heart attack or stroke.
Dr Birgit Beger, CEO of the European Heart Network, said the inflammatory effects of the body’s immune response to the influenza virus could cause inflammation of the heart muscle. She pointed out that influenza vaccination protects against heart attacks and strokes.
“You can’t differentiate between infectious and non-communicable diseases (such as heart disease); they are interconnected,” she said. “It is important to take preventive measures to reduce the impact on patients and healthcare systems,” he said, adding that future EU cardiovascular strategies should emphasize the positive effects of influenza vaccination. Ta.
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Digital tools can help healthcare professionals identify at-risk patients who should be prioritized for influenza and other vaccinations. Dr George Kasianos, Royal College of General Physicians and director of ESWI, said information systems could provide a convenient way for health professionals to send reminders to patients.
“In our (GP) practices, we know who has had the vaccine. We can identify the elderly, pregnant women and people in risk groups who need to be contacted. And patients can book their appointments online. ,” Dr. Kasianos said.
Read more: Adult vaccination: The key to data collection to reach your goals
Denmark is one of the few countries with consistently high influenza vaccination coverage. This is partly due to data usage. Dr. Tyra Grove-Kraus of Denmark’s Statens Serum Institute said a national patient registry could help expand coverage while avoiding unnecessary vaccinations for people who can’t remember whether they’ve already had the vaccine. He said there was.
“We can also maintain confidence in vaccines by documenting their impact on disease burden, identifying safety signals and quickly addressing concerns.”
Although the benefits of digitization are significant, it can exclude patients with low digital literacy. Therefore, Danish patients who do not have access to digital tools will receive a physical letter urging them to get vaccinated.
Read more: How the Danish immunization register became the basis of Denmark’s immunization service
Dr Vytenis Andriukaitis, former European health commissioner and current member of the European Parliament, said digital vaccination records should be used to help people track their vaccination history. This opt-in tool will be particularly valuable for those moving between EU member states.
Read more: Europe’s vaccination card to be trialled in five countries
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