EU Flu Day 2024

ESWI participated in the EU Flu Day at the European Parliament, the annual campaign organised by the Steering Group on Influenza Vaccination in Brussels highlighting the importance of vaccines against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV.

The event was hosted by MEP Andras Kulja (EPP, Hungary) featuring a powerful patient testimonial from Davy and Anais Cotting and interventions from healthcare players and policymakers, including ESWI Board Member George Kassianos.

MEP Andras Kulja (EPP, Hungary) highlighted the importance of engaging with patients to maintain trust and he spoke about vaccine confidence, discussing his own experience educating people on public health through his social media platforms. 

George Kassianos participated in a panel discussion with Wolfgang Philipp, Chief Scientific Officer at HERA and Tyra Grove Krause,  EVP Epidemiological Infectious Disease Preparedness at the Statens Serum Institut in Denmark on how digitalisation is essential in achieving high vaccination rates.

A second panel focusing on the importance of immunisation for people living with NCDs included Greet Hendrickx, Senior Project Coordinator within VAXINFECTIO, Adriano Friganovic, President of the European Specialist Nurses Organisation (ESNO), and Birgit Beger, CEO of the European Heart Network. Beger brought to light the risks posed by influenza and other respiratory viruses, noting that these viruses can lead to various cardiovascular issues.