This newsletter highlights the latest immunization-related activities conducted by WHO/Europe together with health authorities in Member States and partners in line with the strategic priorities agreed on by Member States in the European Immunization Agenda 2030 (EIA2030).* 

Amid a summer wave of COVID-19, a new WHO/Europe study confirms the lifesaving impact of vaccines

From the time of their introduction in December 2020 through to March 2023, COVID-19 vaccines reduced deaths due to the pandemic by at least 59%, saving more than 1.6 million lives in the WHO European Region.

Half a million children in the WHO European Region not fully vaccinated in their first year of life: New 2023 data reveal both gaps and gains in immunization coverage

Half a million children missed one or more of doses of diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine in their first year of life in the WHO European Region in 2023, according to WHO/UNICEF coverage estimates.
 

North Macedonia’s health system strengthened by USAID project’s immunization efforts

Aproject to integrate COVID-19 vaccines into routine health care in North Macedonia and enhance the country’s routine vaccine deployment has concluded after 18 months of critical work

Solidarity and partnership to save lives: how WHO/Europe worked with the European Union to respond to COVID-19

Statement by the WHO Regional Director for Europe, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, emphasizing the importance and impac of the WHO/EU partnership, as exemplified by the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination in Eastern Partnership countries – a project that closed in August 2024, after 4 years.
 

First qualitative research study conducted in Turkmenistan focuses on HPV vaccination

WHO and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan jointly conducted the country’s first qualitative research study. The project aimed at identifying factors influencing parents' decisions related to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for their children. 

Building trust in vaccination: 350 health workers trained in communication in Kyrgyzstan

The WHO Country Office in Kyrgyzstan led training sessions for family doctors, immunologists, nurses, paediatricians and other health-care workers involved in the vaccination process to reinforce their knowledge of the national immunization calendar and enhance their ability to effectively communicate with caregivers about the importance of vaccination.

European Immunization Agenda 2030: technical progress report 2023

This first technical progress report (TPR) on implementation of EIA2030 by the countries of the Region summarizes progress against a set of indicators through to December 2022, using 2019 as the baseline year.

A practical guide to identifying, addressing and tracking inequities in immunization

Practical guidance for those working in immunization programmes to help advocate for immunization equity, embed equity as an aim in delivery of immunization programmes, and understand existing inequities.

Force of the future: co-creating youth action on immunization: meeting report

The meeting was co-developed and co-led by the WHO Regional Office and youth participants and included sessions on vaccine misinformation, challenges to vaccine uptake, the role of health workers in improving vaccine uptake, the role of youth in immunization advocacy and action and much more.

Immune Patrol education package:
Information flyer and trifold brochure

WHO/Europe has developed an innovative, digital, game-based education package focused on the immune system and vaccines. Immune Patrol, was developed to fit the curriculum of 10–12-year-olds and can easily be implemented in schools, as it is provided for free, and teachers do not need to have any previous knowledge of immunization.

EpiData 8/2024

Reported measles cases for the period August 2023—July 2024 (data as of 05 September 2024).

Measles and rubella monthly update – WHO European Region – August 2024

Data as of 05 September 2024.

WHO EpiBrief 1/2024: a report on the epidemiology of selected vaccine-preventable diseases in the European Region

An overview of selected epidemiological characteristics of measles and rubella in the Region for 2023, as well as data on diphtheria and pertussis based on the Annual WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Forms (‎JRF)‎ for 2022.