ECDC reports: vaccine-preventable diseases on the rise in the EU/EEA

Dr Andrea Ammon, ECDC Director said: 

“It is disheartening to see that despite decades of a well-documented safety and effectiveness track record of vaccines, countries in the EU/EEA and globally still face outbreaks of several vaccine-preventable diseases. Achieving and maintaining high vaccination uptake, disease surveillance and prompt response actions to control outbreaks remain the key actions against these diseases. Vaccines have protected many generations, and we should ensure that this continues to be the case”.

The number of measles cases began to rise in 2023, and this trend has continued in several EU Member States. Between March 2023 and the end of February 2024, at least 5770 measles cases have been reported, including at least 5 deaths.
The highest risk is amongst infants below one year of age, as they are too young to be vaccinated and should therefore be protected by community immunity. Measles spreads very easily, therefore, high vaccination coverage, of at least 95% of the population vaccinated with two doses of measles-containing vaccine, is essential to interrupt transmission.

An increase in pertussis cases has been reported since mid-2023 in several EU/EEA countries, with preliminary data indicating a more than 10-fold increase in cases in 2023 and 2024 compared to 2022 and 2021. Newborn babies and infants, who are too young to be fully vaccinated, are at an increased risk of severe disease and death. To best protect them, it is essential to ensure that all recommended pertussis-containing vaccines are given on time. Vaccination during pregnancy can also protect young infants.

As outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases continue to occur in EU/EEA countries, continuous efforts are essential to identify immunity gaps in the population, including those who may have missed or delayed their vaccination. Vaccinations and booster doses are recommended by EU/EEA countries at different stages of life. Therefore, everyone should check with their healthcare providers to make sure they are up-to-date with recommended vaccines.

For all vaccine-preventable diseases, additional work is needed to ensure no one is left behind, especially amongst vulnerable and underserved populations such as refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other groups.

European Immunization Week serves as a key occasion to underscore the importance of vaccination for overall health and wellness across all stages of life. It's also a chance to emphasise that vaccines stand as one of the most remarkable achievements in public health of the 20th century.

ECDC remains committed to supporting and enhancing national vaccination programmes, prioritising the principles of vaccine quality, safety, and efficacy, and ensuring timely and fair access for all.