Continuity of Vaccination Across the Life Course: Poland in Comparison with Selected EU/EEA Countries and the United Kingdom
TL;DR
A potential gap is indicated between the structured delivery of childhood vaccinations and the predominantly recommendation-based adult vaccination approach in Poland, indicating that life-course vaccination continuity can be enhanced through accessible delivery systems, adequate reimbursement, systematic assessment of vaccination status, active engagement of healthcare professionals, sustained public communication, and trust-building.
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Vaccination represents one of the most significant achievements of modern medicine and public health. However, the scope, mandatory status, and vaccination coverage vary considerably across European countries. Methods: This narrative review compares selected elements of vaccination programmes in Poland, purposively selected EU/EEA countries, and the United Kingdom. Official data from the WHO, UNICEF, ECDC, EMA, and national sources were used to delineate vaccination policies, reimbursement models, delivery arrangements, coverage rates, and educational approaches. Due to temporal and methodological heterogeneity, the findings were interpreted descriptively. Results: Poland, together with Latvia, has the largest number of vaccinations classified as mandatory among the EU/EEA countries included in this comparison. Vaccination is mandatory in only nine EU/EEA countries; however, several countries without such policies also report high vaccination coverage in settings characterized by extensive public education and accessible vaccination services. Adult vaccination policies, recommendations, and reimbursement frameworks for influenza, pneumococcal, and RSV vaccines vary significantly depending on the country, target population, age criteria, and scope of funding. Conclusions: This comparison indicates a potential gap between the structured delivery of childhood vaccinations and the predominantly recommendation-based adult vaccination approach in Poland. Strategies utilized in selected European countries suggest that life-course vaccination continuity can be enhanced through accessible delivery systems, adequate reimbursement, systematic assessment of vaccination status, active engagement of healthcare professionals, sustained public communication, and trust-building. Mandatory status alone should not be regarded as sufficient to ensure high vaccination coverage.