Seasonal influenza vaccination in Europe

In Europe, influenza occurs in regular annual epidemics in the winter season. Annual influenza epidemics are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Severe illness and complications are more common in certain risk groups, which include those with chronic medical conditions (e.g. cardiovascular, respiratory, renal and hepatic diseases; diabetes mellitus; immunosuppression due to disease or treatment; obesity; children and teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy) and individuals 65 years of age and above. The main public health intervention to prevent influenza is vaccination. To protect vulnerable individuals and reduce transmission, vaccination is also recommended for healthcare workers. 

The aim of this report was to summarise the information on seasonal influenza immunisation recommendations and vaccination coverage rates in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) between 2007– 08 and 2014–15, a total of eight influenza seasons.