Vaccines Protect Every Generation: EU Highlights Immunisation Benefits

Vaccines Work Across Generations to Safeguard Health

The European Commission has reaffirmed the vital role of vaccines in protecting individuals, families, and communities from infancy to old age. Marking European Immunisation Week 2026 under the theme “For every generation, vaccines work,” the Commission highlighted how immunisation contributes to resilience and long, healthy lives.

Currently, vaccines protect against more than 30 infectious diseases, including measles, rubella, influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal disease. However, recent surveillance data shows worrying trends: pertussis cases have sharply increased, and invasive pneumococcal disease notifications are at their highest since 2019. These figures underscore the need for continued immunisation efforts.

Every EU country maintains a national immunisation programme and vaccination schedule, recommending vaccines at specific ages and for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, travelers, and individuals with chronic conditions. Despite clear scientific evidence of vaccine safety and effectiveness, some populations remain hesitant, leaving communities vulnerable to outbreaks.

A major focus is on vaccine-preventable cancers. Under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, the Commission supports initiatives to expand coverage of HPV and HBV vaccines. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has launched a vaccination coverage dashboard, revealing mixed uptake across member states. To address this, the EU4Health-funded SHIELD project unites 69 partners across 25 countries to increase vaccine uptake, tackle barriers, and improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

Vaccination also plays a crucial role in preventing respiratory infections such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. With demographic changes and rising cardiovascular disease burdens, the Commission is proposing a Council recommendation on adult vaccination as part of the Safe Hearts Plan. This initiative emphasizes protecting older adults and those with weakened immune systems, who are more likely to suffer severe illness.

By reinforcing the importance of vaccines across all stages of life, the European Commission is sending a clear message: immunisation is essential for public health, disease prevention, and community resilience. The call to action is simple yet powerful—vaccines work, and they work for every generation.