#EURespiDay: A comprehensive EU framework for respiratory infection prevention
Since 2021, #EUFluDay has raised awareness of the burden of flu and the importance of prevention. But flu is not the only threat, #COVID19, #RSV and #pneumococcal disease continue to cause serious illness across Europe.
This year, 15 October marks the evolution of #EUFluDay into #EURespiDay, a broader call for EU action on respiratory infection prevention.
Hosted by Billy Kelleher MEP, the Steering Group on Prevention of Respiratory Infections is organising its annual event, and the first since the evolution from the Steering Group on Influenza Vaccination.
During this year’s discussion, the Steering Group will launch new manifesto, highlighting a call for a new Council Recommendation on the value of immunisation against respiratory infections. This would reflect the growing burden posed by respiratory infections including influenza, COVID-19, RSV and pneumococcal disease on populations across Europe and their severe impact on healthcare systems.
Moderated by Nicola Bedlington, the exciting line-up of speakers includes:
- MEP Billy Kelleher (Renew Europe, Ireland) – Host
- Dr. Colin Russell – Professor of Applied Evolutionary Biology, ESWI Chair & Co-Chair of the Steering Group
- Stephen Donnelly – Former Irish Minister for Health
- Rachael Thomas - RSV Patient Network
- Dr. Marta Nunes – Director of the Centre of Excellence in Respiratory Pathogens
- Dr. Louis Bont – Chair, ReSViNET Foundation
- Anna van Renen – Research and Policy Officer, International Longevity Centre UK
The event will feature a personal testimony from a patient, offering a moving perspective on the real-life impact of RSV.
