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Objectives for integrated surveillance of respiratory viruses at EU level

There are general objectives for integrated surveillance of respiratory viruses in the European Union. These objectives apply to surveillance of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections and are as follows:

  • Monitor the intensity, geographical spread and temporal patterns of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections to inform mitigation measures.
  • Monitor severity, risk factors for severe disease, and assess the impact on healthcare systems of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections to inform mitigation measures.
  • Monitor changes and characteristics of circulating and emerging respiratory viruses, particularly virological changes of influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses to inform treatment, drug, and vaccine development.
  • Describe the burden of disease associated with influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections. 
  • Assess vaccine effectiveness against influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections where locally feasible.

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Table 1. Respiratory virus surveillance objectives and corresponding surveillance system data sources

 

ObjectivesPrimary care sentinelSecondary care sentinelNon-sentinel dataHospital and ICU capacityGenomic and antigenic dataOther possible data sources
Monitor the intensity, geographical spread, and temporal patterns of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections to inform mitigation measuresX(X)(X)  Wastewater, environmental, participatory
Monitor severity, risk factors for severe disease, and assess the impact on healthcare systems of influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections to inform mitigation measures.(X)X(X)X Excess mortality
Monitor changes and characteristics of circulating and emerging respiratory viruses, particularly virological changes of influenza viruses, SARS-CoV-2, and other respiratory viruses to inform treatment, drug, and vaccine development.XXX XWastewater, EWRS, IHR, EpiPulse, epidemic intelligence
Assess vaccine effectiveness against influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory virus infections where locally feasible.(X)(X)    
Page last updated 24 Oct 2023