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Vaccination rate of older population at 48.2% in 2022

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In 2022, 48.2% of individuals aged 65 or over in the EU were vaccinated against influenza. However, vaccination rates varied across EU countries, as did the influenza-related death rate.

Vaccination among older adults

Vaccination rates against influenza for people aged 65 or over have varied over the years in the EU. The highest rate was recorded at the beginning of this time series, 54.6% in 2009. In contrast, the lowest rate of 40.0% was observed in 2015. More recently, there was a boost in vaccination rates to 50.8% in 2021, before a slight decline to 48.2% in 2022.

Among EU countries in 2022, Denmark reported the highest vaccination rate for people aged 65 and older at 78.0%, followed by Portugal (75.8%) and Ireland (75.4%). In contrast, Slovakia (5.6%), Poland (8.6%) and Bulgaria (10.4%) had the lowest rates.

363 deaths from influenza in 2021 in the EU

In 2021, the EU recorded 363 influenza-related deaths, equivalent to 0.07 standardized death rate per 100 000 inhabitants. Most fatalities (290 deaths) occurred among people aged 65 or over, where the death rate stood at 0.30.

Bulgaria reported the highest death rate at 0.69 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants (rate of 2.84 among people aged 65 and over). Higher death rates from influenza were also recorded in Sweden (0.46 deaths per 100 000 inhabitants and 2.12 among the older population) and Malta (0.20 and 1.04). 

By contrast, 6 EU members, including Estonia, Ireland, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania and Luxembourg reported no influenza-related deaths in 2021.

Standardised deaths rate from influenza, 2021. Chart See link to full dataset below.

Source dataset: hlth_cd_asdr2

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The notable decrease in influenza deaths in 2021 compared with previous years (10 124 deaths in 2019 and 5 709 death in 2020) could be attributed, at least in part, to a combination of public health measures - such as enhanced vaccination strategies, social distancing, and enhanced hygiene practices - enacted to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the implementation of international guidelines on reporting deaths from illnesses clinically compatible to COVID-19.

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