Seniors Visiting Europe Need Flu Shots

During the peak influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere, health officials strongly encourage most people to get an annual flu shot for protection against respiratory disease.

In Europe, influenza vaccination rates have varied over the years.

Eurostat reported on December 16, 2024, that 48.2% of individuals aged 65 or over in the EU were vaccinated against influenza in 2022.

Among EU countries in 2022, Denmark reported the highest vaccination rate for people aged 65 and older at 78.0%, followed by Portugal (75.8%) and Ireland (75.4%). In contrast, Slovakia (5.6%), Poland (8.6%) and Bulgaria (10.4%) had the lowest rates.

The U.S. CDC recommends getting a flu shot before visiting Europe during the 2024-2025 influenza season. Various vaccines are offered at travel clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.