Coronavirus in Europe: Governments are primarily directing vaccination campaigns towards individuals in high-risk groups

Saturday, Oct 18, 2025

Gazeta Wyborcza

COVID-19 trends, vaccination campaigns, and policy differences across various European countries are detailed.

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[This is an automatically generated summary, for reference only]

In Poland, COVID-19 cases rose dynamically from August to a peak in mid-September, with subsequent slight decreases compared to last year’s higher figures; vaccination against the LP.8.1 variant is available for free starting September 22nd, especially recommended for risk groups. In Lithuania, two vaccines are available for free, and authorities encourage high-risk individuals to get boosters. In Lithuania, cases remained relatively stable in late September and early October. Romania has not supplied vaccines for the upcoming season, and former officials face legal proceedings regarding vaccine purchases; recent case numbers have risen but hospitalizations remain low. Bulgaria reported only one thousand confirmed cases due to reduced testing, with free vaccination campaigns starting September 23rd. France saw a rise in cases linked to the JN.1 variant at the start of the school year, and its vaccination campaign began October 14th using Comirnaty LP.8.1. Spain has separated COVID-19 and flu vaccination campaigns, with regional calendars dictating when different groups can be vaccinated. In Austria, while official case numbers are not tracked due to changes in reporting requirements, wastewater data suggests low levels, and the LP.8.1 vaccine is recommended for everyone aged 12 and older.

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