New prevention campaign against respiratory infections launched

In 2024, Luxembourg did not experience a major Covid wave, but the flu season was particularly severe, peaking at over 2,500 cases per week. The Health Ministry is reminding the public of the importance of vaccination. More than 1,600 people, mostly children, were affected by bronchiolitis.

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, has also re-emerged as a concern, with over 1,200 cases recorded last year, especially among teenagers. The infection can be extremely dangerous for infants. Pneumococcal pneumonia remains another serious risk, capable of causing complications in young children and older adults. The Health Ministry warns that mortality linked to pneumococcal infections should not be underestimated.

The Health Ministry is particularly urging older people to get vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal disease, and Covid-19.

Read also: 'Small wave' of Covid cases reported in Luxembourg

Pregnant women are encouraged to receive vaccinations against flu, whooping cough, and RSV to protect both themselves and their babies. October is considered the ideal month for these vaccinations.

According to the Superior Council of Infectious Diseases, there are two key recommendations regarding flu vaccination, namely that people aged over 65 receive a vaccine with a higher dose or an adjuvant to strengthen their immune response, and that children and teenagers aged two to 17 receive the flu vaccine.

The vaccine is available free of charge with a doctor’s prescription in pharmacies across Luxembourg.