Improving vaccination coverage rates in adult populations: A handbook for health managers and policymakers

Improving adult vaccination coverage has become an urgent priority for European health systems. Older adults continue to face high risks from vaccine preventable diseases, yet coverage rates for influenza, pneumococcal disease and other respiratory infections remain suboptimal in many Member States. To support health managers and policymakers working to close these gaps, EHMA has developed the Handbook: Strategies for improving vaccination coverage rates in adult populations. 

The Handbook brings together evidence and real-world insights from European countries that have successfully improved adult vaccination uptake. The 2026 edition includes four detailed case studies on pharmacy-based vaccination in France, national reimbursement reform in Austria, digital reminder systems in Denmark and EHMA’s Call to Action for a European pneumococcal target. Each case provides practical lessons and adaptable approaches that can help strengthen national or regional immunisation programmes.