Vaccination

Vaccination is a global success story in health and development, saving millions of lives every year. We now have vaccines to prevent more than 30 potentially fatal diseases, enabling people of all ages to live longer, healthier lives.

Vaccination is one of the cornerstones of primary health care and an undeniable human right. It is also one of the best investments in public health. Vaccination is one of the greatest successes in public health prevention. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that vaccination currently prevents 3.5 to 5 million deaths each year from diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, influenza and measles.

Vaccinations protect children and adults against many infectious diseases that can have serious, sometimes irreversible, consequences for our health and can even be fatal.

Thanks to the systematic vaccination of infants and young children, many diseases for which vaccination is recommended, such as diphtheria and polio, no longer exist in Luxembourg.

As a result, virtually no one remembers these diseases or their serious and sometimes fatal consequences.

To prevent them from reappearing, it is essential to continue vaccinating all infants and young children and to continue booster vaccinations throughout life, in accordance with the recommendations of the vaccination schedule. For the adult population, vaccination is particularly important during pregnancy, for people whose health condition exposes them to particular risks, and for people aged 65 and over.

Maintaining high vaccination coverage nationwide is also important to prevent the spread in Luxembourg of infectious diseases imported from other countries where these diseases have not yet been eradicated.

Our immune system recognises the components of the vaccine as if they were an infectious organism (virus or bacterium) capable of causing disease. In response, it produces specific antibodies to eliminate it. These antibodies remain in our body, providing long-lasting protection against reinfection by the same infectious organism. This is known as immune memory.

If a vaccinated person comes into contact with the virus or bacterium responsible for the disease, the pre-existing antibodies react immediately, neutralising the infectious agent before it can cause symptoms. Diseases that can be prevented by vaccination are called ‘vaccine-preventable diseases’.

The effectiveness of vaccines has been widely demonstrated: thanks to them, smallpox has been eradicated from the planet. Several diseases, such as diphtheria and tetanus, have virtually disappeared or become rare in our country. Haemophilus influenzae type b meningitis in children has also disappeared in Luxembourg and has become exceptional in countries where this vaccination is administered to all infants.

However, a decline in vaccination coverage could lead to the reappearance of diseases that have been eradicated. Recent examples, both abroad and in Luxembourg, confirm this.

A decline in vaccination coverage could lead to the reappearance of diseases that had been eradicated. Recent examples, both abroad and in Luxembourg, confirm this.

Measles

Given the significant increase in diagnosed and confirmed cases of measles recently in Europe and worldwide, it is important to recognise the signs of the disease and ensure that vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination not only protects you, but also helps to maintain a vaccination rate of over 95% among the population, thereby protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, particularly infants under 12 months of age.

Polio

At the end of 2024, four European countries (Finland, Germany, Poland, Spain) and the United Kingdom reported detecting vaccine-derived type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV) in wastewater samples. Poliovirus is highly infectious and can spread easily and silently across large geographical areas. Therefore, even though Europe remains polio-free, it is vital to maintain adequate vaccine immunity.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria remains a rare disease in Europe. However, in 2022, a spike in infections was observed, which was managed by a rapid response. These infections affect vulnerable populations, including migrants and homeless people.

In general, international travel increases the risk of importing infectious agents. It is wrong to think that vaccinations are unnecessary, even if these diseases no longer exist in our country, because they may persist elsewhere in the world. Vaccination can only become unnecessary when the disease it protects against has been eradicated worldwide, as was the case with smallpox.

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with numerous foundations and non-governmental organisations, has set itself the goal of eliminating certain diseases, such as polio and measles, by 2030.

For other diseases, particularly invasive infections, vaccination not only provides individual protection against infection, but also against carrying these bacteria and therefore the possibility of transmission, i.e. against the presence of the bacteria in the throat or nose without causing symptoms.

A decrease in vaccination coverage allows for an increase in the carriage and circulation of the bacteria, thereby exposing the population, especially the most vulnerable, to an increased risk of infection. This risk is particularly high in communities where vaccination is refused for religious or ideological reasons. If more parents refused vaccinations, this would lead to the reappearance of diseases that had disappeared in Luxembourg.

It is sometimes possible to contract a disease for which you have been vaccinated. For certain diseases, such as COVID-19 or whooping cough, for example, vaccines may not be completely effective. This means that a vaccinated person can still contract the disease. However, in this case, the symptoms experienced by vaccinated individuals are often less severe than they would be without vaccination.

For other diseases, such as diphtheria or tetanus, vaccines are 100% effective.

Please contact your doctor or chemist if you have any questions about vaccination.

No, in principle not at all. Mild side effects, such as a slight fever, mild pain or local swelling, or nausea, sometimes occur.
Serious complications, such as high fever associated with convulsions, or allergic reactions, are rare.

Millions of children are vaccinated every year. On average, there is one case of serious complication per 100,000 vaccinations.
The occurrence of a serious vaccine reaction is not sufficient reason to interrupt the vaccination programme. However, if this happens, it should be reported to the doctor.

It is then up to them to decide whether the next vaccination should be postponed or administered. They may take certain precautions before administering the vaccine again.

Since 2002, a law has been in place in the Grand Duchy providing compensation in the event of serious complications or death.

No, this has never been proven. Despite numerous scientific studies, no link has ever been found between vaccination and chronic disease.

Scientific research conducted worldwide on the risks associated with vaccines clearly shows that:

• the MMRV vaccine (against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) does not cause autism, hyperactivity or developmental delays;
• the MMRV vaccine does not cause inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease or chronic rheumatoid arthritis;
• the pertussis vaccine does not cause brain damage;
• The hepatitis B vaccine does not cause multiple sclerosis or relapse in people with this disease, nor does it cause chronic fatigue syndrome.
• Thimerosal (a preservative) does not cause autism.
• Vaccines given to children do not increase the risk of asthma or allergies.
• vaccines do not cause sudden infant death syndrome;
• vaccines do not cause cancer or type 1 diabetes.

No, our body's self-defence system cannot be weakened by vaccinations. Even before birth, the immune system appears to be capable of reacting against certain harmful substances and producing self-defence responses.

After birth, and every day of our lives, we defend ourselves against countless infectious germs. Compared to this barrage of attacks, vaccinations represent only a tiny burden on our immune system.

It is therefore wrong to think that our defence mechanisms can be “exhausted” by vaccinations.

Yes, but these reactions are, in most cases, mild and temporary, such as a slight fever or pain at the injection site.

The MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccination is generally the most painful. Swelling and redness are sometimes observed at the injection site. Children often have a slight fever and are a little listless for a day, eating less, crying more often, and sleeping less or more than normal.

Serious reactions are extremely rare and may include:

• a skin rash that may be accompanied by itching or blisters;
• swelling of the eyes and/or face;
• difficulty breathing or swallowing;
• loss of consciousness.

If any of these reactions occur, contact your doctor immediately or go to one of the country's medical centres or emergency departments.

Post-vaccination reactions may occur within hours or days after vaccination. When they do occur, they rarely last longer than one to two days.

After D, T, aP, Hib, IPV, or HepB vaccination, children react within 24 hours, or sometimes later (max. 72 hours). After MMRV vaccination, reactions are generally delayed and only appear between the 6th and 12th day. A mild rash is sometimes observed and may last for a few days.

Your doctor will decide on the best strategy to minimise the risk of these reactions occurring and may prescribe fever-reducing medication if necessary.

Side effects can be relieved by:

• applying a damp compress to the injection site or gently massaging the injection area if there is pain;

In the event of a fever, by wearing light, breathable clothing, using a lighter blanket than usual, taking a lukewarm bath or administering fever-reducing medication.

Vaccination at a doctor's surgery or hospital

In Luxembourg, vaccinations are administered by vaccinating doctors at a doctor's surgery or hospital.

In Luxembourg, all vaccines included in the vaccination programme and listed in the vaccination schedule are covered by the State.

To get vaccinated or have your child vaccinated, simply make an appointment with your doctor (or at the pharmacy for COVID-19). The doctor orders the vaccines for the programme directly from the state and stores them in the surgery. Please note that if you buy a vaccine from a pharmacy on the basis of a medical prescription, you will not be reimbursed!

There are two exceptions to this procedure: the seasonal flu vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine for adults. For these two vaccines, you must first go to a pharmacy to obtain the vaccine free of charge on prescription and then go to your doctor to have the vaccine administered.

If the child has a mild cold or moderate cough, vaccination can usually be given without hesitation. If the child has a fever or is suffering from an acute illness, it is up to the doctor to decide whether or not vaccination can be given.

Most vaccinations are recommended for children with serious chronic illnesses, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV/AIDS, nervous system disorders, blood disorders and malignant tumours. Only in a minority of cases should certain vaccinations be avoided or postponed.

Some additional vaccinations may also be necessary. That is why it is up to the doctor, in consultation with the parents, to decide which vaccines to administer and when is the best time to do so.

The vaccination schedule is based on CSMI recommendations. These recommendations are continuously adapted in line with scientific advances in vaccination. The co-administration of several vaccines is therefore carefully studied before being recommended.

In addition, combination vaccines undergo rigorous safety studies before being placed on the market. All authorised vaccines are safe and their safety is monitored continuously.

Finally, it should be noted that a baby's immune system is already naturally exposed to billions of infectious agents.

People who are allergic to chicken egg protein can be vaccinated, provided that the vaccines do not contain egg protein. Most vaccines on the vaccination schedule do not contain egg protein. However, some MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines contain varying amounts of egg protein. The same applies to influenza and yellow fever vaccines. If these vaccines are administered to an allergic child, caution is advised. The doctor will decide on the precautions to be taken, depending on the severity of the egg protein allergy, and after informing the parents of the possible risks.

People who are allergic to antibiotics can be vaccinated provided that the vaccine does not contain the antibiotic in question. Minimal amounts of antibiotics (e.g. neomycin) are sometimes added to vaccines, which is always indicated on the package insert. In this case, it is preferable to use vaccines that do not contain this antibiotic.

Finally, eczema is not aggravated by vaccination, and food allergies are not caused by vaccination. It is unwise and contraindicated to delay vaccination in these cases.

Vaccination record

To keep track of vaccinations, your GP or paediatrician will give you a vaccination record (known as the ‘yellow book’) after the first vaccination.

Take the vaccination record with you to all your medical appointments so that the doctor can check the record and note down the vaccinations that have been given.

Electronic vaccination record

The Electronic Vaccination Record (CVE) is a digital tool set up by the eSanté Agency, commissioned by the Department of Health. It allows you to centralise your vaccination data, which was previously recorded on your yellow card. It refers to the recommendations of the Higher Council for Infectious Diseases (CSMI).

The CVE is created and completed by the vaccinating doctor with your consent. To access it, you must activate your eSanté account.

If you would like assistance with this activation, please contact the eSanté Agency Helpdesk:

• by telephone: (+352) 27 12 50 18 33
  
• by e-mail: helpdesk@esante.lu

You can find more information about the CVE here

International vaccination card

When travelling abroad where specific and additional vaccinations are required, it is useful to ask your doctor for an international vaccination card.

It is necessary to catch up on vaccinations when one or more vaccines recommended in the vaccination schedule have not been given or when the total number of doses to be administered for a vaccine is insufficient.

To find out if you or your child needs to catch up, please consult your vaccination record and contact your doctor.

After vaccination, the body produces specific antibodies against the disease. For vaccines that require only one dose, the person is considered protected approximately two to three weeks after vaccination. For vaccines that require multiple doses, protection begins after the first dose but is not considered complete until after the last dose. Thus, after the first, second, or even third vaccination, a person can still contract the disease. However, after each injection, the risk of becoming ill decreases.