To assess the level of preparedness of EU/EEA Member States to respond to zoonotic avian flu outbreaks, ECDC has carried out two surveys - one assessing the laboratory capacity for molecular diagnosis and characterisation of zoonotic influenza viruses, and the other focusing on measures applied to protect exposed people during outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
As autumn moves to winter, the WHO/Europe, EC and ECDC are issuing a clear, urgent message: people who remain unprotected against both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza – especially the most vulnerable and at-risk – should take up any offer for vaccination to prevent or mitigate the impact of these co-circulating respiratory infections.
In the week commencing 13 December, the number of flu cases (caused by the influenza virus) detected in the WHO European Region was above what we would normally expect to find in the population for the second week in a row, which indicates the so-called flu season epidemic has started.
None of the European Union (EU) Member States could demonstrate that they reach the EU target of 75% influenza vaccination coverage for vulnerable groups, according to a new report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
This practical course covered outbreak investigation, pandemic planning, recent developments in respiratory pathogen biology and therapy, and focused around two practical scenarios in which participants could gain experience in managing an acute epidemic.
This practical course will cover outbreak investigation, pandemic planning, recent developments in respiratory pathogen biology and therapy, and will focus around two practical scenarios in which participants will gain experience in managing an acute epidemic. Research during an epidemic and ethical aspects will also be covered.
Location:Amsterdam, Netherlands
Organized by:The course is co-organised by ECDC and European Respiratory Society.
An ECDC expert opinion concludes that there is clear evidence supporting the use of neuraminidase inhibitors in the treatment and prevention of influenza. Moreover, the current recommendations in European countries on the use of the neuraminidase inhibitors oseltamivir and zanamivir are appropriate and should be applied by prescribing physicians.
The uptake of seasonal influenza vaccination in EU Member States has not reached the target levels in the 2009 Council Recommendations. This knowledge sharing workshop is intended to support communications activities surrounding national influenza vaccination campaigns, specifically campaigns targeting healthcare workers. The workshop will highlight good practices and success stories, as well as share encouraging and challenging experiences of the Member States’ campaigns. It will also discuss and consider ways ECDC can support Member States in their campaigns through the creation of a “community of practice”, and how best to achieve that via the existing platforms and tools.
Location:ECDC, Visiting address: Tomtebodavägen 11A, 171 65 Solna, Sweden. The meeting will be held in the ECDC main building in room 335.