It has been 10 years since the EU Council adopted its 2009 Recommendation on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination, endorsing a 75% target vaccination rate for at risk and older age groups set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Since then, some progress has been made. However, as stated in the EU State of Health Companion Report 2019, none of the EU Member States have reached the 75 % target for influenza vaccination coverage among older people and at risk groups. Moreover, the EU average vaccination coverage rate is just 43%, with several countries experiencing a dramatic decline. Challenges remain with increasing the influenza vaccination coverage rates within EU Member States for recommended vulnerable populations.

Please join us for a breakfast event on 21 January 2020 in the European Parliament to reflect on what has been achieved and what should be done to increase influenza vaccination coverage rates in the EU and protect European citizens. Influenza remains a serious, preventable and deadly disease which kills around 40,000 people per year in Europe. The event will also aim to identify how to join forces to minimise the impact of influenza, and improve control of influenza across Europe.

The event will be co-hosted by:

MEP Dolors Montserrat (ES, EPP)
MEP Sara Cerdas (PT, S&D)

This event will convene representatives from EU institutions, leading experts on the topic of influenza vaccination, as well as representatives of a broader health and citizens community.

Panel I: The 2009 Council Recommendation on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 10 years on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination 10 years on

This panel will reflect on the 10th anniversary of the EU Council 2009 Recommendation on Seasonal Influenza Vaccination. This endorsed the 75% target vaccination rate for older adults and at-risk groups set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Since then, no EU Member States have reached this target and in many, rates have declined. Participants will discuss the burden of influenza in the EU, reasons why the target has not been met, public health implications, and the importance of working towards the 75% target. The panel will include an exciting line-up of speakers:

Wolfgang Philipp, Head of Unit C3 (Crisis management and preparedness in health), DG Sante, European Commission
Dr. Lucia Pastore Celentano, Head of Disease Programme VPD and Immunisation, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
Dr. Caroline S. Brown, Programme Area Manager, Infectious Hazard Management, WHO Health Emergencies Program
Member State representative (Pending confirmation)

Panel II: Opportunities and approaches to increase vaccination rates

Starting with a presentation of a ground-breaking new study on public perceptions of seasonal influenza disease and vaccination in four EU countries, this panel will focus on the fundamental questions of how we can increase influenza vaccination coverage rates in Europe. Key factors include engaged governments and healthcare workers, as well as public awareness. It will examine best practices and discuss how to share and learn from these at the regional and national level. Panellists will also discuss approaches to addressing influenza vaccine confidence, convenience and complacency issues. Confirmed speakers in this panel include:

Dr. George Kassianos, National Immunisation Lead, Royal College of GPs (UK)
Prof. Frederic Bouder, University of Stavanger, Norway
Darragh O’Loughlin, Secretary General, Irish Pharmacy Union
Ber Oomen, Executive Director, European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO)

Event moderated by Jacki Davis.

Seasonal influenza vaccination: Progressing towards the EU’s 75% target