Despite progress being made in expanding Covid-19 vaccination across Europe, the ongoing disruption caused by the pandemic to routine immunisation for Vaccine Preventable Diseases (VPDs) poses significant healthcare risks, and a higher chance of disease outbreak. Even before the pandemic this was a serious concern, with outbreaks of measles being seen in Europe between 2017 and 2019.
This increased risk is based on growing ‘pockets’ of vaccine hesitancy, the spread of new variants, and the need for health authorities and policymakers to direct the lessons learnt on pandemic preparedness in the future, and the fundamental role of vaccination to protect society. With new preventative measures being introduced across Europe and efforts being ramped up to boost vaccine uptake, this report showcases the youth perspective on Covid-19 vaccination, and the wider impacts of the pandemic.