On the occasion of European Immunisation Week, taking place from 20 to 26 April 2020, Luxembourg's Ministry of Health has reiterated the importance of adhering to the vaccination calendar, even during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) period.
Each year in the last week of April, the World Health Organisation (WHO) highlights the value of vaccines and their health and well-being benefits for all ages. Despite the current health crisis linked to COVID-19, Luxembourg's authorities have recalled that vaccinations must continue according to the schedule recommended for infants and young children.
Health Minister Paulette Lenert commented: “In the context of European Immunisation Week, I would like to reiterate that we must not let our guard down when it comes to vaccination. Especially at this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, our health systems cannot withstand any outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases. I also take this opportunity to congratulate our tireless health professionals who strive to leave no one behind by providing health care and immunisation services".
Highlighting the fact that other dangerous contagious diseases remain in circulation, Dr Françoise Berthet, deputy director of the Health Department and secretary of the Higher Council for Infectious Disease, added: "If vaccination coverage is not ensured in its continuity, this could lead, in the coming months, to an upsurge of diseases, [which have been] so far well controlled on the territory, such as measles, whooping cough or certain forms of meningitis".
Indeed, 2019 saw the measles virus cause a local epidemic in Luxembourg, affecting 21 people aged 8-48, three of whom required hospitalisation. A large majority of these people were not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated against measles. In the current pandemic context, vaccination is considered an essential act to avoid adding an additional infectious risk to COVID-19.
According to the Health Ministry, most vaccinations given to infants and young children provide early and lasting protection. Early protection is essential to reduce the risk of acquiring a preventable infection as soon as possible. Many vaccinations given to infants and young children, such as those for hepatitis B or measles, also provide lifelong protection.
In addition, certain vaccinations require subsequent booster shots, in children (at the age of 5-6), adolescents and adults (every ten years). This is the case for vaccination against polio, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. Meeting these deadlines is important for maintaining immunity, but less critical than in infants. As for the prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, vaccination is recommended for girls and boys aged 9-13. The timing of these vaccines is not critical and postponing the vaccine appointment after the COVID-19 crisis period may be warranted, according to the ministry.
On the other hand, the immediate vaccination of the elderly or at risk remains recommended in order to protect these individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 from another infectious risk, such as pneumococcal pneumonia.
During periods of containment and the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommended vaccination schedule should thus be respected for infants and children under two, as well as for the elderly or at risk. Between 2 and 65, routine vaccinations for the general population may be postponed until the end of confinement, unless the doctor indicates otherwise.
