Why not a 95-95-95 strategy for influenza by 2030?

On 9 June 2021, United Nations Member States proposed the adoption of a 95-95-95 strategy in the fight against AIDS, fully centred on individuals, with a clear objective of decisively contributing to the end of the AIDS pandemic by 2030. This strategy aims for 95% of individuals infected with HIV to know their status, 95% of those infected to be under effective treatment, and 95% of those receiving treatment to achieve viral suppression.Citation1

Interestingly, a study conducted between 2009 and 2013 in the European Union and European Economic Area identified influenza as the infectious disease associated with the highest burden of disease and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) among 31 infectious diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV, and invasive pneumococcal disease.Citation2 In this study, influenza was responsible for approximately 30% of the total burden.

A more recent studyCitation3 confirmed the significant impact of influenza on health systems and individuals, particularly among the elderly population, with vaccination coverage rates in this group varying widely from 2019 to 2023, despite vaccines being free for the elderly and at-risk populations in most countries. Only two countries, Portugal and the United Kingdom, reported vaccination coverage rates of 75% or higher in most of the four seasons analysed.Citation3 In another report by the ECDC during the influenza seasons 2021–2022, 2022–2023, and 2023–2024, only Denmark and Ireland achieved the 75% vaccination coverage rate in all three seasonal influenza periods for the elderly age groups, among the 27 countries of the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.Citation4