Flu vaccination rate among seniors in Belgium remains too low
Last year, only half of people over 65 received the flu vaccine, a number below the World Health Organisation's (WHO) target of 75 per cent. Experts talked about the need for improvement in vaccine numbers concerning seniors, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women during a press conference on Wednesday. Virologist Marc Van Rans was among the speakers to convene at the discussion held by the SSMG General Practitioners' Association.
Starting in mid-October, people aged 65 and over, those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or heart disease and pregnant women can get vaccinated at their GP or pharmacy. "Vaccination is essential, not only for the most vulnerable but also for their close contacts," said Aurore Girard, vice-chair of the SSMG.
High-risk groups
In 2023, only 50.7 per cent of people over 65 and 43.4 per cent of those with chronic diseases received the flu shot, according to a study by Independent Health Funds. Among 18 to 45-year-olds, the vaccination rate was just 15 per cent. These numbers are far from the WHO's 75 pre cent target. Despite a temporary increase during the pandemic, flu vaccination rates in high-risk groups have stagnated over the past decade.
To improve these figures, "informing people about the vaccination campaign and dispelling vaccine misconceptions is crucial," said Van Ranst. He pointed to Australia’s recent flu season, which had a strong start and peak in June, with the dominant strain being type A (A/H3N2 and A/H1N1). The B/Victoria strain circulated to a lesser extent, while the B/Yamagata strain has disappeared due to COVID-19 measures. Van Ranst reassured that the flu vaccine in Belgium is similar to Australia’s and covers all four strains.
"For flu vaccinations, our goal is to protect the most vulnerable and reduce pressure on healthcare during the busy autumn season," Van Ranst added.
Coronavirus and influenza
Though coronavirus particles have been rising in Leuven wastewater, Van Ranst advised against alarm, noting that the omicron variant is well-adapted to humans and peaks around November, while flu tends to peak in late December or January. Belgium's flu season last year was moderate in intensity but lasted 11 weeks (longer than usual), with a peak in January 2024 that saw a sharp rise in hospital admissions.
Approximately 550,000 people, or 5 per cent of Belgium's population, were infected with influenza last year. "With this year’s vaccination campaign, we hope to prevent such complications," said Girard. Around 2 million flu vaccines are administered in an average season, with costs ranging from 3 to 17.42 euros, depending on reimbursement levels.
© PHOTO BULENT KILIC / AFP
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