Respiratory diseases in autumn/winter

Subject: Respiratory diseases in autumn/winter

Autumn and winter in Europe are a time when respiratory viruses are more prevalent. Seasonal influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus (which causes the Covid-19 disease) are now part of the autumn/winter viral disease season, which is just beginning. Analysis published on 14 September 2023 by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that with the combined effect of three viruses even an average respiratory season can place significant strain on the healthcare system. Furthermore, as last year, the total number of hospitalisations this year is expected to be higher than the total number experienced prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Does the Commission intend to present similar analyses together with a forecast for producing a preliminary study of the epidemiological situation in Europe?

2. Given that it is for the national authorities to take the final decisions on vaccines, boosters, information campaigns and assessments of the epidemiological situation in the different population groups, does the Commission, together with the specialised agencies (EMA, ECDC, HaDEA), envisage special forms of ad hoc action plan to make recommendations to avoid a so- called tripledemic this autumn and winter?

Submitted: 11.10.2023

Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission (22 December 2023)

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) published on 25 September 2023 an epidemiological update on increased coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS- CoV-2) variants, and public health considerations for autumn 2023 (1).

This report provides a forecast for the autumn/winter season 2023/2024 and provides guidance for vaccination and communication campaigns.

In order to monitor the combined impact of respiratory diseases (COVID-19, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)) on healthcare systems, the ECDC together with the World Health Organisation (WHO) have developed a new surveillance tool for respiratory viruses (2), the European respiratory virus surveillance summary (ERVISS) (3). The platform provides a weekly integrated epidemiological summary for influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2.

The Commission is chairing and provides the secretariat of the Health Security Committee (HSC), which amongst others coordinates the response of Member States to respiratory virus circulation.

On 19 October 2023, the HSC adopted a consolidated opinion ‘Preparing for winter 2023/2024 to address respiratory infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses’ (4). This opinion is a consolidated action plan to avoid a so-called tripledemic this autumn and winter 2023/2024.

In addition, the Commission continues to support Member States’ access to COVID-19 vaccines adapted to the latest variants, either through existing contracts, where possible, or new joint procurement arrangements, should there be a need.

The Commission is also planning to propose an EU-level joint procurement for RSV vaccines and therapeutics.

1 ∙ ⸱ https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/ecdc-publishes-epidemiological-update-increased-covid-19-transmission-sars-cov-2

2 ∙ ⸱ https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events/ecdc-and-who-launch-new-surveillance-tool-respiratory-viruses-improve-early-detection

3 ∙ ⸱ https://erviss.org/

4 ∙ ⸱ https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-security-and-infectious-diseases/publications_en