Getting vaccines to those who need them most: Albania launches autumn influenza campaign and begins to roll out COVID-19 booster doses

Mimoza Kote, 58, a head nurse in charge of vaccine administration, arrives at her office and vaccine storage space at a medical clinic outside Lushnjë, Albania

Mimoza Kote and other staff have been working hard over the last few years to ensure a high uptake of influenza vaccinations in the country, particularly among vulnerable groups. She thinks the success of the influenza vaccination programme has helped fight the COVID-19 pandemic too.

“If people have the influenza vaccine, particularly those with chronic health problems or the older and more vulnerable members of society, then they are at a much lower risk of getting seriously ill over the winter.”

“As we’re seeing increasing numbers of people receiving the influenza vaccine every year, thanks to successful awareness-raising campaigns, I think it is safe to say that the vaccination programme is going very well in Albania.”

Athina Doka, head doctor at a public health centre in Lushnjë, Albania, explains why it is important that health-care workers are prioritized for influenza vaccination

“Health-care workers have an increased exposure to diseases, including influenza, through their contact with patients, so they need to be vaccinated, to protect their own health, help keep our health systems functioning and to help prevent the spread of influenza to the vulnerable patients they look after,” says Athina.

Dr Richard Pebody, Head of WHO/Europe’s high-threat pathogens team has a message for those in Albania and across the European Region

“It’s important to remember that vaccines save lives, so it’s vital that people in eligible groups take up their offers of vaccination to protect themselves. The health authorities in Albania are doing a great job of administering both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time, setting a good example to other Member States in the Region on how to protect our vulnerable populations this winter.”

With the pandemic still ongoing, it is important that older people and other at-risk groups are also up to date with their COVID-19 doses

Thoma Lako, 79, received both an influenza and a COVID-19 vaccine at a medical centre in Tirana, Albania’s capital.

“Because of my age, I’m at high risk of developing severe disease. When the doctor recommended I should get both vaccines, I did not hesitate. Today, I have had both vaccines, against COVID-19 and flu. Both the flu and COVID-19 are no joke.”

Haki Roci, 72, received a COVID-19 vaccine at the Air Albania stadium in January 2022 at a time when the country was facing its biggest wave of infections since the start of the pandemic

“We should all do our part, by getting vaccinated, not only to protect ourselves but also others. I got my booster, so I suggest others do the same – just get the vaccine!”

Xhane Grodani, 69, a pensioner who lives with her husband in Tirana, Albania, received her third COVID-19 vaccination in January 2022 in a clinic in the capital

She says vaccinations are the best way to beat the pandemic and urges other people in her age group to get vaccinated.

“The virus is here, and it threatens our daily lives. This is the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine that I have received. I don’t want to die. My family, my grandchildren need me.”