Every Dose Counts: Ensuring the Success of Vaccination Efforts Across Europe

European Immunization Week, organized by the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasizes the critical importance of vaccinations in preventing disease and saving lives. Running from April 27 to May 3, 2025, this week highlights the ongoing efforts to improve immunization coverage throughout Europe. Vaccines have been instrumental in eradicating smallpox and controlling deadly diseases such as polio, diphtheria, and tetanus. Despite this progress, recent data underscores persistent challenges, with over 35,000 measles cases reported in the EU/EEA in 2024 and 23 related deaths, including 14 children under five. A concerning trend is the rise in measles infections, which have increased nearly tenfold in the past year, largely due to declining vaccination rates and immunity gaps. In 2024, the majority of measles cases involved unvaccinated individuals, and notably, over a quarter of those affected were adults over 14 years old. To prevent future outbreaks, high vaccination coverage—at least 95% for the two-dose MMR schedule—is essential. However, many EU countries still fall short of this goal, with only four nations achieving full coverage for both doses.

The risk of vaccine-preventable diseases extends beyond childhood, affecting adolescents and adults as well. To address these issues, the ECDC estimates that approximately 600,000 children aged 12-23 months may have missed their primary polio vaccination between 2022 and 2023. While no human cases of polio have been reported in the EU/EEA, the detection of vaccine-derived poliovirus in sewage samples in several countries signals potential vulnerabilities. To safeguard these gains, targeted catch-up vaccination campaigns and improved surveillance are crucial.

Understanding social and behavioral factors influencing vaccination acceptance is key to closing immunization gaps. The ECDC’s recent report provides operational tools and strategies to encourage vaccine uptake tailored to diverse community needs. Furthermore, modern digital immunization information systems can help identify unvaccinated populations and improve outreach efforts. Sustained investment in high-quality disease surveillance and rapid outbreak response remains vital for maintaining the control of vaccine-preventable diseases across Europe.

Moving forward, coordinated efforts to enhance vaccination programs, address hesitancy, and ensure equitable access will be essential to protect all populations and uphold the achievements in public health through immunization.