Low flu vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals is a growing concern in Europe, according to a European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) report.
Only 221% of European healthcare workers were vaccinated during the 2023-2024 seasonThis situation not only exposes staff, but also puts the most vulnerable patients at risk and can contribute to staff shortages in healthcare facilities at critical times.
In the European context, Spain is positioned above the average, with a coverage of 43.8% in the last season, almost double the European average, however, it is still far from the target of 75% set by the Ministry of Health.Despite maintaining a relatively high position compared to other countries, Spanish health authorities highlight the need to increase these percentages and encourage professionals to get vaccinated and promote vaccination among the population.
Differences in Europe and the role of Spain
The ECDC report highlights that only eight EU/EEA countries have reported data on healthcare vaccinations over the past three seasons. Germany, for example, has maintained a high rate of close to 58% over the past two seasons. In contrast, countries such as Romania have seen a dramatic drop in their figures, with only 5% coverage in 2023-24, when in 2020-21 it had reached 45.9%.
Denmark and Norway, although no data is available for 2023-24, have also shown lower coverage compared to previous seasons. In contrast, Spain stands out for having coverage above the European average, although the figure for the last season still reflects a decrease compared to previous years.
The situation of other risk groups
The report also sheds light on vaccination rates in other risk groups, such as children and adolescents, where Spain is among the countries with the best coverage. During the 2023-24 season, the vaccination rate in this group was 7.2% on average in Europe, with Spain achieving a significant 36%, almost double the figure for the previous year (19%).
For the population over 65 years of age, another priority group, the average coverage in Europe was 45.7% in the last season, with a range from 12% in Slovakia to 78% in Denmark. Spain, like other countries such as Portugal and Italy, experienced a slight drop in the 2023-24 season.
Pregnant women, a challenge in coverage
The ECDC also highlights vaccination rates in pregnant women. Spain is again positioned as one of the countries with the best coverage, reaching 55% in 2023-24. However, elsewhere, levels remain low, with a European average of just 16%.
Call to improve vaccination rates
ECDC experts and Spanish health authorities agree on the importance of strengthening vaccination strategies, especially among professionals who are in direct contact with patients. Immunisation not only protects healthcare workers, but also acts as a protective barrier for the general population.
