The Czech Republic’s flu epidemic is causing significant economic loss, estimated at several hundred million euros annually. Low vaccination rates are leading to widespread illness and lost productivity.

Despite the availability of effective vaccines, only 7% of the general population and 20% of at-risk groups are vaccinated – far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 75% coverage.

This shortfall not only results in preventable health complications but also puts a strain on businesses, the healthcare system, and the national economy.

“Respiratory diseases, particularly the flu, lead to sick leave, which on average lasts more than 10 workdays. This results in costs for employers, employees, the social system, and the entire economy,” explained Tomáš Prouza, Vice President of the Czech Chamber of Commerce.

“According to our estimates, the negative economic impact in the Czech Republic amounts to several tens of billions of crowns annually, even though a significant portion of these losses could be prevented by vaccinating a larger share of the population,” he added.

Value Outcomes/IQVIA analysis shows that if 75% vaccination coverage among the working-age population were achieved, the national economy would save €840 million in lost productivity due to illness and an additional nearly €240 million in wage compensation during sick leave.

The economic toll of flu-related sick leave is particularly concerning for employers, who must contend with staff shortages and disrupted operations.

Lower vaccination rates lead to higher absenteeism, requiring temporary replacements or resulting in productivity losses. The strain also extends to the healthcare and social systems, which experience heightened demand during flu season.

Vaccination benefits

The Czech Health Ministry is working to increase flu vaccination rates in response to the flu epidemic and economic concerns. According to ministry spokesperson Ondřej Jakob, efforts to boost immunisation coverage have shown progress.

“In a year-on-year comparison, we observe an increase in the number of reported vaccinations of about 5%,” Jakob told Euractiv.

The ministry is focusing on both awareness campaigns and improving vaccine accessibility. One approach involves publishing a network of general practitioners who administer flu shots, including those who vaccinate patients outside their usual roster.

“We are working closely with the business sector to offer vaccination as an employee benefit,” Jakob added.

Beyond flu vaccination, the government is developing a broader immunisation framework to address vaccination challenges on a national scale.

“We are preparing a comprehensive national vaccination strategy, which aims to address vaccination issues across the board, including flu vaccination, and whose component will be a targeted communication strategy,” Jakob explained.

“We actively communicate on social media and cooperate with professional associations, health insurance companies, and employer representatives to promote vaccination and emphasise the benefits of flu vaccination,” he added.

Public health experts and economic analysts are emphasising the urgent need for increased flu vaccination coverage to mitigate both health risks and financial burdens. The Czech Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for employer-led vaccination programs, underscoring the benefits of a healthier workforce.

As the Chamber noted, vaccinated employees are less likely to fall ill or, if they do, experience milder symptoms, reducing the length of sick leave.

Lower absenteeism means less need for temporary replacements, ensuring work continuity and maintaining business stability, the employers explain. By reducing the number of sick employees, businesses also help alleviate the strain on the healthcare and social systems, which are typically under heavy pressure during flu epidemics, the Czech Chamber of Commerce argues.

[Edited by Vasiliki Angouridi, Brian Maguire]