Influenza is a common infectious disease. Most people who get sick recover quickly, but the elderly in particular are at a higher risk of severe complications or even death. An annual flu vaccination booster can help reduce the risk of infection.
In the 10 EU countries, for which 2022 data is already available, vaccination rates among people aged 65 and older were high in Denmark (78%), Ireland (76%) und Sweden (70%).
In Germany, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends annual vaccination against influenza for people aged 60 and over. In 2022, 43 % of this age group had been vaccinated.
In some countries, the vaccination rate increased. Compared to 2021 the vaccination rate among the elderly increased from 75% to 78% in Denmark, from 60% to 70% in Sweden. In other countries the vaccination rate decreased. In Italy the vaccination rate among those aged 65 and over was 65% in 2021 and 58% in 2022. In Germany the proportion of those vaccinated fell from 47% to 43%. In most of the countries, however, the rate was higher than in 2019, the year before the outbreak of the Corona pandemic.
Source: Eurostat
Last update: 18.09.2023