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).* 

Simulation exercise in Republic of Moldova builds capacity to stop measles and polio outbreaksTo test the preparedness level and capacity to respond to potential outbreaks of measles and poliomyelitis (polio) in the Republic of Moldova, WHO organized a 3-day simulation exercise on 18–20 November 2024 in Chisinau.

Poliovirus detections in European Region 
Poliovirus has been detected in 3 countries through routine surveillance of wastewater systems in the WHO European Region, with no cases or evidence of local transmission reported to date.
Note: as of 20 December 2024, the number of countries increased to five, including Finland and the United Kingdom.

Polio-free status retained, but European Region must increase vigilance
The WHO European Region retained its poliomyelitis (polio)-free status for 2023. This conclusion by the European Regional Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC) was based on annual reports for 2023 submitted by Member States.
 

Vaccines for the vulnerable: new WHO/Europe study shows the impact of COVID-19 vaccines in safeguarding health and saving lives
A new study from the WHO Regional Office for Europe shows that COVID-19 vaccines prevented over half of COVID-19-related hospitalizations and over half of all severe outcomes, including death.

Six decades of evidence of the transformative power of vaccines
Dr Alieva highlights the crucial role of health workers in promoting vaccination. A joint EU-WHO project in 5 central Asian republics is strengthening immunization systems including through capacity building of health workers to help them promote vaccination.
 

European Immunization Agenda 2030: implementation framework
Outlines the actions to be taken by the Member States, the WHO Regional Office for Europe and other key stakeholders to realize the vision and impact goals of the European Immunization Agenda 2030 (‎EIA2030)

Thirty-eighth meeting of the European Regional Commission for Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (RCC), 5-6 September 2024 
RCC conclusions and recommendations based on annual updates submitted by the Member States on the status of the national polio eradication programmes in 2023

Twenty-third meeting of the European Technical Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (‎ETAGE)‎
Meeting hosted in Copenhagen, Denmark, 5–6 December 2023 to review and provide advice on immunization activities in the WHO European Region .

Routine immunization summary - WHO European Region, 2023

Data as of 30 September 2024