WHO Regional Office for Europe recommendations on influenza vaccination for the 2020/2021 season during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (2020)

Seasonal influenza epidemics can cause significant illness, hospitalization and death during the autumn and winter months. While influenza infection is usually mild and uncomplicated, it can cause severe disease, particularly among the elderly, persons living in long term care facilities and other vulnerable groups, pregnant women, persons with underlying medical conditions and young children. Influenza symptoms range from fever, cough, body aches and headache, to severe primary viral pneumonia, which can be complicated by bacterial superinfection and exacerbation of underlying chronic conditions. Influenza vaccination is safe and the most effective means of preventing infection and severe outcomes caused by influenza viruses.