Vaccination against flu among those over 65 and people suffering from chronic illnesses is largely insufficient in Belgium, believes in particular the vice-president of the Association of General Practitioners, Aurore Girard. In 2023, the vaccination rate for those over 65 reached 50.7%, well below the objective of 75% set by the WHO, several professionals recalled during a press conference on Wednesday. From mid-October, the vaccination campaign will be in full swing.
As Dr. Girard recalled, the primary objective of the flu vaccine is to avoid the disease, and if this is not enough, to alleviate the symptoms and prevent possible complications. Vaccination against the influenza virus is essential among three population groups: people at risk (pregnant women, over 65 years of age and people with chronic illnesses), health care workers and people living under the same roof as patients at risk.
Despite these recommendations, health professionals note that the vaccination rate among patients with chronic conditions has only reached 43.4% in 2023, well below the objective defined by the World Health Organization. Health (75%).
While it is still impossible to determine the extent of the new flu season, professionals generally turn to Australia, where the flu generally occurs from April to September. “In Australia, the 2024 season hit hard, with one of the most blistering starts since 2018 and a significant mid-season peak in June. The Australian experience still serves as an indicator for our next season and can suggest an equally severe start in Belgium”, estimates Marc Van Ranst, professor of virology and epidemiology at KU Leuven.
Vaccination will begin in mid-October, at the doctor’s office or in a pharmacy.
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