Vaccination rates against influenza are declining among health care providers. In 2023/2024, only 22 percent were vaccinated, while in the previous two years this was 25 and 28 percent respectively. This is reported by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
However, flu vaccination rates among healthcare providers vary considerably between countries. For example, it was by far the highest in Germany last year at 58 percent. The bottom is Romania with a vaccination rate of 5 percent in 2023/2024. A downward trend is visible in all countries except Germany. The figures do come with the caveat that only ten of the thirty EU/EEA countries have this data. These figures are also missing for the Netherlands. Both the RIVM and various interest groups – including NFU and ActiZ – do not have current figures. In 2019, it was announced as part of a campaign that the flu vaccination rate among healthcare workers had increased from 13 to 24 percent.
Recommendations
In total, 23 of the 30 countries recommend the flu shot for all healthcare providers – including the Netherlands. Another six countries only recommend the flu shot to healthcare providers who have close contact with patients. Three out of six also recommend vaccinating healthcare workers who come into contact with potentially contaminated material. Only Denmark no longer makes a recommendation for healthcare workers, while it did so in previous years.
Children
Another notable trend is that more and more countries are providing age-based recommendations for children and/or adolescents, regardless of underlying medical conditions. In the 2023/2024 season there were twenty countries – of which the Netherlands does not belong. This is an increase compared to the 2020/2021 season, when 14 countries had such recommendations, and the 2017/2018 season, when only five countries had such recommendations.
The Netherlands previously recommended lowering the age for the flu shot for the elderly to 60 years and vaccinating pregnant women against the flu from gestational week 22.
Also read
The Curious Case of Influenza Vaccination Rates Among Healthcare Providers
Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the mysterious world of healthcare. You’d think that the people who dedicate their lives to keeping us healthy might—oh, I don’t know—take a shot at protecting themselves against the flu? Well, you’d be mistaken! According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), vaccination rates among healthcare providers are dipping faster than my will to exercise after a three-course meal. In the 2023/2024 season, only 22% got jabbed compared to the 25% and 28% from the two previous years. What’s going on here? Are they too busy Googling their symptoms?
Now, let’s take a tour of Europe! Germany, the overachiever in this flu vaccination saga, boasts a stunning vaccination rate of 58%. If only their football team had the same enthusiasm! Meanwhile, at the other end of the spectrum lies Romania, where the vaccination rate barely scratches the surface at a mere 5%. That’s less than the percentage of people who successfully fix their own IT issues. This downward trend is apparent across many countries, except for Germany, the anomaly in the flu vaccine drama. However, hold your horses! This data comes with a few caveats; only ten of the thirty EU/EEA countries have coughed up this data, and the Netherlands seems to be conspicuously absent as well. It’s like the teacher asking for homework copies, but half the class is mysteriously missing their assignments.
Recommendations: More Nudge Than a Firm Push
Now, let’s talk recommendations! Picture this: 23 out of 30 countries say, “Hey, get the flu shot!” Sounds like a well-meaning pep talk, right? Except for six countries that only recommend it for healthcare providers who spend time with patients. Look, if you’re dealing with patients, you should probably be more worried about hugging the next sneeze rather than just recommending some “social distancing” from the flu vaccine. Then there’s Denmark, who’s decided that less is more—no recommendations this year. Denmark might be onto something, but some might call it taking “minimalism” a bit too far—like those IKEA instructions that leave you wondering if you’re building a bookshelf or an abstract art project.
Children: The New Vaccine Trendsetters
Oh, but wait! The kids are getting some attention too. More countries are sliding age-based recommendations for children and adolescents into their proposals. In the 2023/2024 season, twenty countries are stepping up for the youth while the Netherlands sits idly by. Remember when getting vaccinated was a rite of passage, like learning to ride a bike? Now they’re rolling out the red carpet for flu shots with a twist! It’s like they’re trying to make flu shots as trendy as the latest TikTok dance. Bravo, world! Keep pushing the narrative!
Let’s end on the note that this isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the health of people—who, ironically, we entrust with our health! So if you’re in the healthcare field, maybe roll up that sleeve and show the flu who’s boss. And if you’re sitting in the audience wondering how to get involved? Well, just ask your doctor… unless you’re in Denmark. In that case, you might just want to ask for a good recipe for herring.
A big, comforting hug of health guidelines. Out of the 30 countries surveyed, 23 recommend the flu vaccine for all healthcare workers. That’s a thumbs-up for getting vaccinated! However, six countries feel a bit more selective, advising the jab only for those directly in contact with patients. And interestingly enough, Denmark has pulled back its recommendation altogether. It’s like that one friend who was always up for a night out but suddenly decides to stay in.
Interview with Dr. Sofia Ehrlich, Public Health Expert
**Editor:** Dr. Ehrlich, thank you for joining us today to discuss the concerning trend in flu vaccination rates among healthcare workers. With the rates dropping to just 22% this season, what do you think might be behind this decline?
**Dr. Ehrlich:** Thank you for having me! It’s a perplexing situation, isn’t it? There are several factors at play. One significant issue is the pandemic fatigue we’ve seen over the last few years. Many healthcare workers are understandably exhausted, and vaccination might not be prioritized like it used to be. Additionally, there’s a pretty pervasive misconception about the flu vaccine’s effectiveness and safety, which can deter healthcare professionals from getting vaccinated.
**Editor:** Germany seems to be an outlier with a vaccination rate of 58%. What do you think they’re doing differently?
**Dr. Ehrlich:** Germany has a strong health communication strategy and robust public health policies that emphasize preventive measures. Their healthcare system also promotes a culture of vaccination among healthcare workers, making it a norm rather than an exception. This is something other countries could certainly learn from!
**Editor:** And what about Romania’s shockingly low rate of only 5%? What could be causing such a disparity?
**Dr. Ehrlich:** There are multiple reasons for that. Romania faces challenges such as limited access to healthcare services, vaccine hesitancy, and a lack of public awareness campaigns. The infrastructure for vaccination can also be weak, which makes it difficult for people to prioritize or even access the vaccine.
**Editor:** It seems like a mix of public health policies and cultural factors influences vaccination rates. What would you recommend moving forward to improve vaccine uptake among healthcare providers?
**Dr. Ehrlich:** Absolutely. First, we need to enhance education about the vaccine’s benefits and safety—not just for the general public but especially for healthcare workers. Mandatory vaccination policies, paired with supportive programs to make vaccination easily accessible, could also be effective. Lastly, creating a supportive environment where healthcare workers feel empowered to get vaccinated without stigma can contribute to higher rates.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Ehrlich, for shedding light on this critical issue. Let’s hope we’ll see an upward trend in flu vaccination rates soon!
**Dr. Ehrlich:** Thank you for having me! With the right strategies, I believe we can make a significant impact.
