WHO/Europe, EC and ECDC urge eligible groups to get vaccinated or boosted to save lives this autumn and winter
As autumn moves to winter, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission and the European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) are issuing a clear, urgent message: people who remain unprotected against both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza – especially the most vulnerable and at-risk – should take up any offer for vaccination to prevent or mitigate the impact of these co-circulating respiratory infections.
Last year’s autumn and winter seasons were unpredictable. Last winter, the cumulative impacts of influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus or RSV hit the very young and the very old the hardest. Paediatric and intensive care wards felt the strain, and excess mortality was observed. While the picture may seem quiet now, this autumn we must work together to prevent excess mortality by protecting the most at-risk in our communities: those with co-morbidities, the immunocompromised, the elderly and pregnant women.
“COVID-19 and influenza remain serious diseases, particularly for the most vulnerable, including those who haven’t completed their vaccination courses”, said Dr Hans Henri P Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
“Vaccination remains our strongest tool against both influenza and COVID-19. It is crucial that targeted vaccination campaigns are rolled-out to reach people at risk ahead of the Winter season, including with the possibility to combine vaccination with COVID-19 boosters.
In the past years, we have seen how important it is to ensure easy access to vaccination services, engage communities and to keep citizens updated through clear communication campaigns. Now is again the time of the year to join forces to promote the benefits of vaccination and protect the most vulnerable as well as our health systems. Clinicians should also be encouraged to consider the early use of available antiviral treatments for COVID-19, RSV and influenza to prevent severe disease. The Commission, following the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency, has recently authorised two adapted COVID-19 vaccines as well as two new vaccines and a medicine to protect the very young and the elderly against RSV", explained Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.
"Surveillance and reporting play a crucial role in our ongoing battle against COVID-19, particularly during the winter season when other respiratory viruses circulate at the same time. Having fit-for-purpose and well-performing surveillance systems in all countries in Europe is essential, as it ensures a robust data set that is vital for us to enhance our effectiveness in planning and implementing public health campaigns and measures", emphasised Dr Andrea Ammon, ECDC Director.
