Influenza’s Impact

Seasonal influenza, more commonly known as “the flu,” presents a huge health and economic burden in Europe and worldwide. The high prevalence of the flu poses a risk for everyone, but is particularly dangerous for healthcare workers, the elderly, pregnant women, children and people living with other illnesses, all of whom face a higher risk of death.1 Additionally, every year, a portion of the millions of influenza cases are erroneously treated with antibiotics, which contributes to the threat of antimicrobial resistance.2

5 million

Each year, there are up to 5 million severe cases leading to 650.000 deaths globally.1

10-30%

In Europe, 10-30% of the entire population gets sick with the flu every year.3

15.000-70.000

Every year, 15.000-70.000 European citizens die due to causes associated with influenza.4

Vaccination is the Best Prevention

According to the WHO, the single most effective measure for preventing influenza is vaccination.1 Not only does vaccination reduce an individual’s chance of contracting the flu, it also contributes to compounded protection in society. This compounded, societal protection is often referred to as herd immunity, which lessens the overall prevalence and burden of influenza by blocking transmission of the virus in the community.5 For high-risk groups, such as people with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and lung disease, vaccination is particularly important as it reduces the rates of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is also effective at controlling antimicrobial resistance by reducing the improper use of antibiotics. Patients interested in a flu vaccination should consult their healthcare provider.

Vaccination Rates Lag

Since 2009, the EU Council has maintained the goal of reaching a 75% annual vaccination rate for high-risk groups. More than a decade later, no EU country has consistently reached that target, and in recent years coverage has even declined.6 Europe’s persistently low flu vaccination rates put the population’s health at risk. Health authorities across Europe can do more to enable easier access to flu vaccines and strive to meet the EU Council flu vaccination targets, thereby reducing the burden of influenza. The WHO recommends that all countries should implement seasonal influenza immunization programs and that COVID-19 vaccination programs should be leveraged to deliver influenza vaccines to elderly populations.7


“Seasonal influenza immunization programmes should be implemented by all the countries.

World Health Organization7

1. World Health Organization
2. World Health Organization
3. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
4. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
5. Prev Med
6. European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
7. World Health Organization