Vaccination coverage rates

As vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness and death, especially in the at-risk groups, the World Health Organization (WHO) set clear vaccination coverage rate objectives for the elderly: 75% of those above 65 should be vaccinated annually by 2010. Despite the fact that most developed countries have very similar guidelines and recommendations when it comes to the vaccination of at-risk groups, studies reveal dramatic differences in the vaccine uptake rates in individual countries. In Europe, most countries do not yet meet the 75% vaccination rate target for the elderly. Vaccination coverage rates for the below 65 at-risk group and for healthcare workers are even much lower. Since it has been demonstrated that vaccinated healthcare workers can indirectly protect their at-risk patients, healthcare personnel must take personal responsibility to be vaccinated.

National influenza vaccination programmes in Europe – Pasi Penttinen (ECDC)

Seasonal influenza vaccine dose distribution in 195 countries (2004–2013)