Vulnerable? Vaccinate. Protecting the unprotected from COVID-19 and influenza - ISS-G20 Laboratorium Repository

As autumn turns to winter, the WHO Regional Office for Europe, the European Commission, and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are issuing a clear, urgent message: people who remain unprotected against both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza – especially those most vulnerable and at risk – should take up any offer for vaccination to prevent or mitigate the impact of these co-circulating respiratory infections.  

Last year’s autumn and winter seasons were unpredictable. Last winter, the cumulative impacts of influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hit the very young and the very old the hardest. Paediatric and intensive care wards felt the strain, and excess mortality was observed. While things may seem quiet now, this autumn we must work together to prevent excess mortality by protecting those most at risk in our communities: people with comorbidities, people who are immunocompromised, older people and pregnant women.  

Entire content available on: https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/09-10-2023-vulnerable--vaccinate.-protecting-the-unprotected-from-covid-19-and-influenza