Brussels, 23/12/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 22 December, the EU Council of Ministers adopted, without debate, recommendations which encourage member states to adopt and implement national, regional or local plans or policies, as appropriate, to improve seasonal influenza vaccination coverage in order to reach a vaccination coverage rate of 75% for older age groups as soon as possible and preferably by the 2014-2015 winter season, and, if possible, for other at-risk groups if that target has not yet been achieved. Member states are also encouraged to improve vaccination coverage among healthcare workers.
Member states are asked to organise: - information campaigns for healthcare workers; - campaigns targeted at risk groups and their families, giving information on the risks associated with, and the prevention of, influenza; - effective information campaigns to remove obstacles to vaccination uptake.
Member states are encouraged to report, on a voluntary basis, to the Commission on the implementation of this recommendation, in particular on the coverage achieved among at-risk groups.
Seasonal influenza is a contagious viral disease which occurs as an epidemic during the winter months in Europe. It is one of the most significant and commonly occurring communicable diseases and is an important source of morbidity and mortality in all member states. In some cases, complications go beyond self-limiting respiratory infection and result in severe pneumonia or other secondary, sometimes fatal, complications. These complications occur far more commonly among older age groups and among people with chronic medical conditions. (L.C./transl.rt)