European Immunization Week 2026: For every generation, vaccines work

Marked under the theme ‘For every generation, vaccines work’, European Immunisation Week (EIW) 2026 underscores the need and value of sustained vaccination efforts throughout life. Maintaining high vaccination coverage across all age groups is essential to protect individuals and communities, prevent infections and outbreaks, and avoid the increasing numbers of people who are susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases over time.

To mark its commitment to protect European citizens against vaccine-preventable diseases, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) is highlighting its latest epidemiological data on various infectious diseases, including measles, pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease for the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA). 

ECDC is also releasing a report from the monitoring of human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination programmes in the EU/EEA and a new dashboard displaying vaccination coverage data for HPV and for other vaccine-preventable infections such as hepatitis B, measles and rubella vaccines.

Measles cases in early 2026

The latest surveillance data on measles show 350 reported cases in 2026, as of 28 February. As transmission typically increases in the spring months, this early‑year figure emphasises the risk of further spread in populations who have not received a full course of vaccination.

Rising burden of pertussis 

The latest figures for pertussis show a sharp increase in reported cases with nearly 210 000 cases in 2024, an over eight-fold increase from 2023. Infants below the age of one year and adolescents between 10 and 14 years were the most affected.

Invasive pneumococcal disease at highest level since 2019

According to the latest data, annual notifications in 2023 and 2024 for invasive pneumococcal disease exceeded 25 000 cases/year in EU/EEA. This is the highest rate observed since 2019 and highlights the continued importance of pneumococcal vaccination, throughout the entire life course, particularly for older adults and other risk groups.

Progress in HPV vaccination and cancer prevention

A newly published ECDC report on HPV vaccination programmes in the EU/EEA documents continued progress towards cancer prevention through vaccination. All countries have expanded their vaccination programme to include both boys and girls, with some showing improvements in vaccination coverage and paving the way to long‑term reductions in HPV‑related cancers, e.g. cervical cancer. This is a good reminder that preventing infections today, will reduce the burden of cancer and protect the health of generations to come.

New vaccination coverage dashboard

To support monitoring and action, ECDC is also launching today a new dashboard displaying vaccination coverage for HPV and for other vaccine-preventable infections such as hepatitis B, measles and rubella vaccines. The dashboard provides a transparent, up‑to‑date overview of programme performance across Europe and will support evidence‑based decision‑making to strengthen immunisation efforts.