European decision-maker perspective with regard to influenza prevention policies.

Influenza is a public health priority in Europe. The impact of influenza pandemics on public health is very high, but also seasonal influenza represents an important burden in terms of hospitalisation and excess deaths. Influenza vaccination is a fundamental pillar of disease prevention. In the absence of a clear decision making process for vaccination policies, during the latest years the EU institutions have fostered some collaboration between Member States. Such collaboration has been more relevant during the 2009 pandemic, in the presence of a clear cross-border threat to EU citizens’ health. The EU institutions have been supporting the national vaccination programmes providing evidence of influenza vaccination effectiveness and safety. Decision 1082/2013 represents a major step toward EU collaboration highlighting the role of pandemic vaccination in the area of emergency preparedness and response, where a clear EU added value is evident.