Seasonal influenza vaccination in Europe – Vaccination recommendations and coverage rates, 2012–13

This report provides an update on seasonal influenza immunisation policies and vaccination coverage rates in EU/EEA Member States for the 2012–13 influenza season. All responding Member States recommended seasonal influenza vaccination to older age groups, and eight countries also recommended vaccination for children/adolescents below 18 years of age. The predominant payment mechanism reported by Member States for the vaccine and the administration of the vaccine was through the national health services for those population groups for whom seasonal influenza vaccination was recommended. Although there is a consensus that the older age groups should be vaccinated, the EU target of 75% was reached in only two Member States in the 2012–13 season. It is unlikely that the EU target of 75% vaccination coverage will be met in the 2014–15 influenza season.