Policy & Recommendations

Joint Statement of the Steering Group on Influenza Vaccination on the Council Conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health in the European Union

We welcome the recognition of vaccination as an important prevention tool outlined in the Council Conclusions on the improvement of cardiovascular health (CVH) in the European Union (EU), adopted under the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU on 3 December 2024. In particular, we strongly support the acknowledgement of the value of vaccination against infectious diseases including flu, pneumococcal, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV as important for patients with an increased or existing risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

We commend the European Commission and the Council for these efforts, while recognising the need for additional measures to address existing gaps and further enhance the effectiveness of these initiatives.

Respiratory infections can increase the risk of CVDs among all people. Studies show that for CVD patients diagnosed with flu, the risk of experiencing a heart attack increases 6-fold.[1] Additionally, patients have a 3 times increased risk of experiencing a stroke after a systemic respiratory infection.[2] Therefore, vaccination against respiratory infections can reduce the risk of complications associated with CVD.

With a strong foundation laid by the Council Conclusions on improving CVH in the EU, and as we begin this new mandate with public health prevention on the agenda, the Steering Group on Influenza Vaccination therefore makes the following recommendations which we believe will be essential to fully achieve the stated ambitions.

A harmonised, EU-wide data-driven approach to vaccination against respiratory infections among people with chronic conditions

A harmonised, EU-wide approach to vaccination against respiratory infections is essential for improving CVH and preventing CVD. Current data reveals significant disparities in vaccination coverage across respiratory infections, and overall suboptimal coverage rates in the adult population. Further, the lack of timely, consistent and comprehensive surveillance data as well as reporting on vaccination rates among people living with chronic conditions like CVD across EU Member States hampers efforts to identify and address gaps in coverage effectively.

Currently, data collection across Member States is poor and fragmented, with inconsistent reporting timelines and methodologies. For example, while the ECDC published a report on COVID-19 vaccination uptake in 2023/24, only a small subset of countries provided data on key populations, such as individuals with chronic conditions like CVD and healthcare professionals. Similarly, only late this year was flu vaccination uptake data reported for the previous season in a timely way, with the previous publication featuring data from the 2021/2022 season.

Inconsistent, delayed or absence of reporting on surveillance data and vaccination rates hampers real-time understanding and effective responses to barriers, both at EU and national level. To address this, we call for a common methodology, standardised, and enhanced data collection across Member States through robust, digitalised infrastructures, including people-centered electronic vaccination registries and surveillance systems, as well as regular reporting to the ECDC. These registries would enable real-time tracking, transparent data sharing, and targeted interventions including tailored communication campaigns for at-risk populations while empowering healthcare professionals with up-to-date records to support informed recommendations and continuity of care.