By Emma Black

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to scale up seasonal influenza vaccination programmes to protect vulnerable populations, prevent severe illness, and reduce deaths linked to annual outbreaks. This call was reinforced during a WHO Health Emergencies EPI-WIN webinar held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, under the theme Seasonal influenza vaccination protecting the vulnerable.

Seasonal influenza continues to challenge health systems worldwide, especially in years marked by severe epidemics. According to WHO, by July 2025, at least 130 countries representing 67% of its Member States had reported making seasonal influenza vaccines available in public and/or private health facilities. However, large gaps remain in low- and middle-income countries, where competing health priorities and weak vaccine distribution systems often limit access.

The webinar brought together experts from WHO, UNICEF, and ministries of health across different regions. They highlighted that influenza vaccination plays a dual role reducing the immediate burden of flu epidemics while also enhancing global preparedness for future pandemics. Speakers outlined priority groups for vaccination, including older persons, pregnant women, children, and health workers.

In her presentation, WHO Technical Officer Shoshanna Goldin emphasized Seasonal influenza vaccination is not just about flu prevention. It is about safeguarding vulnerable populations and building resilient health systems ready to respond to the next pandemic.

The Global Influenza Strategy (2019–2030) and Immunization Agenda 2030 both recommend that all countries adopt annual influenza vaccination programmes. Yet in Sierra Leone, influenza vaccination is not part of routine immunization schedules. The country’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) prioritizes vaccines for childhood diseases such as measles, polio, tuberculosis, and yellow fever, but influenza remains absent from national policy.

This gap poses a serious risk. Sierra Leone’s health system is already burdened with recurring cholera outbreaks, Lassa fever cases, and the lingering threat of Ebola resurgence. Seasonal influenza, though often overshadowed by these high-profile diseases, can exacerbate the vulnerability of pregnant women, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Health experts warn that ignoring influenza vaccination also leaves Sierra Leone less prepared for a future flu pandemic. The country was among the hardest hit by the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, which exposed systemic weaknesses in epidemic preparedness. Incorporating seasonal influenza vaccination, WHO argues, would not only reduce annual illness but also strengthen Sierra Leone’s readiness to respond to global health threats.

One major barrier for countries like Sierra Leone is cost. WHO and UNICEF supply divisions are working to expand affordable access to vaccines through pooled procurement and partnerships with regional bodies. During the webinar, UNICEF’s Yasmin Vargas noted that low-cost options are becoming increasingly available for low-income countries, especially if governments integrate flu vaccination into their broader immunization strategies.

Another challenge is vaccine hesitancy. Across Africa, misinformation about vaccines has surged, fuelled by online disinformation campaigns. Sierra Leone experienced this during the COVID-19 pandemic, when rumors discouraged many from taking the vaccine. The WHO webinar underscored the importance of community engagement and addressing social and behavioral drivers of vaccine uptake.

Experts such as Nizar Maswadeh from Jordan’s Ministry of Health highlighted the need to build trust by working with local health workers, civil society organizations, and trusted community leaders. For Sierra Leone, this could mean leveraging its network of community health workers and local radio stations long regarded as trusted channels of information.

For Sierra Leone, joining the global momentum on seasonal influenza vaccination would require, Updating the national immunization policy to include influenza vaccination, at least for high-risk groups. Leveraging global support from WHO, UNICEF, and GAVI for affordable vaccine access.

Using local communication networks to counter misinformation and encourage uptake. Building flu vaccination into routine maternal and child health services, reducing extra logistical burdens.

As WHO officials stressed, protecting the vulnerable through influenza vaccination is not just a medical priority but a step toward building stronger, more resilient health systems. For Sierra Leone, this could be an opportunity to close yet another health equity gap and ensure that its people are not left behind in global pandemic preparedness.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 3rd October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)