The 2025 WHO European Immunisation Week (EIW2025) is running from 27 April to 3 May. This year’s edition of the European Immunisation Week will highlight the urgent need to achieve high and equitable vaccination coverage in every community to prevent outbreaks of these diseases now and in the future under the theme “Immunisation for all is Humanly Possible”. This year’s theme puts emphasis on the fact that closing immunisation coverage gaps in line with the goals of the European Immunisation Agenda 2030 (EIA2030) is not only crucial but also possible.
To support the efforts towards universal vaccination coverage in the EU and Europe, like in previous years, the EFN has launched a social media campaign that will be running for the whole week. Throughout this campaign, the EFN will share reliable information on the life-saving power of immunisation to protect people of all ages against vaccine-preventable diseases. This is very important, as post COVID-19, disinformation and vaccines hesitancy are rising throughout Europe, leading to immunisation gaps with life-threatening consequences.
The most striking examples of the consequences of immunisation gaps are those of the rising cases of Measles and Pertussis, which are both vaccine preventable and particularly dangerous for infants and young children. With regards to Measles, in 2024, over 127,000 people suffered from it in Europe, with half who were hospitalised and tragically 38 died. With regards to Pertussis, over 87 000 cases were reported in 2023, the highest number since 1994!
EIW2025 is therefore the perfect opportunity to fight back against vaccine-preventable diseases, by encouraging every individual to play its part in breaking down barriers to vaccination, and to remind everyone about the crucial role that nurses are playing in this, as the closest to patients and citizens and the backbone of our healthcare systems!
Furthermore, the EFN is also a co-chair of the Coalition for Vaccination, which brings together European associations of healthcare professionals and relevant student associations in the field. It was convened by the European Commission in 2019 based on the 2018 Council recommendation on strengthened cooperation against vaccine-preventable diseases. It aims to support delivering accurate information to the public, combating myths around vaccines and vaccination, and exchanging best practices on vaccination. As co-chair of the Coalition for Vaccination, the EFN supports the efforts of Commission in spreading vaccines awareness.
> Read here the Coalition for Vaccination press release on the European Immunization Week
To find out more, follow our social media (on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Bluesky)
during the EIW2025.