COVID-19 is no longer causing the widespread disruption seen during the global health emergency, but the virus still leads to hospitalizations and fatalities across Europe and nearby regions. WHO’s European Regional Office studies show that timely booster doses significantly reduce the risks of severe illness, intensive care, or death. These findings are derived from EuroSAVE, a network tracking respiratory infections in various European regions.
Important results indicate that COVID-19 still results in considerable hospitalizations and deaths. Between May 2023 and April 2024, around 4,000 patients were hospitalized for acute respiratory infections in monitored areas. COVID-19 accounted for nearly 10% of these cases, with only 3% of affected patients having received a vaccine dose in the prior year. Serious outcomes included 13% needing intensive care and 11% resulting in death. COVID-19 patients had higher chances of needing oxygen or intensive care compared to flu patients.
Vaccination, however, offers robust protection. A EuroSAVE study determined that a recent COVID-19 vaccination within six months was 72% effective in preventing hospitalization and 67% effective against severe outcomes like intensive care or death. Another multi-country analysis showed vaccines cut COVID-related hospitalizations by roughly 60%.
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