Early estimates of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness against influenza requiring medical attention at primary care level in Europe, week 41 - 49, 2025

Preliminary data from the Vaccine Effectiveness, Burden and Impact Studies (VEBIS) primary care multicentre study indicate that the seasonal vaccines available in EU are providing protection against influenza A(H3N2) infection, with vaccine effectiveness ranging from 52% to 57%. These preliminary early estimates support current efforts to offer seasonal influenza vaccination to key populations in the shortest time possible, to mitigate the impact of influenza infections, which is expected to be substantial in the current season.

In the context of increasing circulation of influenza, especially A(H3N2), ECDC has provided comprehensive advice on vaccination, the use of antivirals, the use of face masks in healthcare and long-term care facilities, and healthcare preparedness in the Threat Assessment Brief: Assessing the risk of influenza for the EU/EEA in the context of increasing circulation of A(H3N2) subclade K.