During the colder months, we spend more time indoors, which promotes the transmission of viruses and bacteria by droplets. In addition, lower air humidity leads to drying of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat, weakening the body's natural protective barrier (see seasonal infection trends). At this time, the activity of seasonal pathogens, such as influenza viruses, RSV, SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and hMPV, increases significantly.
That is why it is particularly important to take care of prevention in autumn—both through a healthy lifestyle and preventive vaccinations, which effectively protect against the most dangerous seasonal diseases.
Join the “Infection-Free Autumn” campaign. Be part of it, follow our social media and share the materials. The aim of the campaign is to promote preventive vaccinations among people most at risk of complications—seniors, pregnant women and society as a whole, with particular emphasis on employees and employers. Together, we can increase health awareness and take care of immunity during the autumn and winter season.
Epidemiological summary of the 2024/2025 season
The data show that more than 2 million people contracted influenza during the 2024/2025 season, with the weekly number of cases reaching as many as 300,000. More than 25,000 patients required hospitalization, and approximately 1,000 people died—mainly seniors over the age of 60.
At the same time, vaccination coverage declined—the number of influenza vaccinations administered was 7% lower than in the previous season. This continues a worrying trend: in the 2022/2023 season, the decline amounted to as much as 19%, and in 2023/2024 it fell by a further 2%.
The situation concerning whooping cough surprised epidemiologists—the number of cases increased 35-fold compared with 2023, reaching more than 32,000 cases. This was the highest result in decades, indicating an urgent need to strengthen population immunity, especially among adults and pregnant women.
The data concerning invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) are also worrying. In 2024, more than 20% more cases were recorded than a year earlier, while in the first quarter of 2025 there was a 7% increase compared with the corresponding period. Infections were most often caused by pneumococci of serotype 19A, including multidrug-resistant strains.
The RSV infection season was also intense—in January and February 2025, more than 52,000 infections were recorded, around 20,000 more than in the previous year (PZH report).
Why get vaccinated?
Vaccinations are the most effective way to prevent severe courses of infectious diseases. They protect not only vaccinated people but also those close to them—children, partners and coworkers. Thanks to vaccinations, we can reduce the number of hospitalizations, sick leaves and health complications.
Who should get vaccinated?
Seniors
Seniors are one of the most important social groups when it comes to preventive healthcare. As people age, the body's natural defense mechanisms weaken, making older people more vulnerable to infections and their complications. Vaccinations not only reduce the risk of illness but also help prevent life-threatening complications. In Poland, both free and reimbursed vaccinations are available for seniors and can significantly improve their quality of life and health security.
Why are vaccinations so important for seniors? With age, the immune system becomes less effective. Many infectious diseases that may be merely an unpleasant episode for younger people pose a serious threat to seniors.
Seniors often suffer from chronic diseases such as:
These conditions further increase the risk of severe infections, such as influenza or pneumonia. More information: Vaccinations for seniors.
Before the autumn and winter season, seniors are advised to take advantage of free or reimbursed vaccinations against:
- influenza,
- COVID-19,
- RSV,
- pneumococcal infections,
- whooping cough.
Pregnant women
During pregnancy, inactivated (killed) vaccines can be administered safely. Other vaccines may be administered in particularly justified situations involving exposure to infection (PZH recommendations).
Why are vaccinations during pregnancy so important?
- Protection of the pregnant woman against infectious diseases to which she may be particularly susceptible during pregnancy (providing additional protection for the fetus).
- Passive protection of the child during the first months of life as a result of the transplacental transfer of IgG antibodies from the mother.
Routine vaccination of pregnant women against selected infectious diseases is recommended by numerous scientific societies and advisory committees on preventive vaccinations worldwide, including in Poland, among them the Polish Society of Vaccinology, the Polish Society of Gynecologists and Obstetricians and the Polish Society of Family Medicine. The recommendation to vaccinate pregnant women is also included in Poland's Preventive Vaccination Programme.
Free recommended vaccinations for pregnant women (for infectious diseases that intensify during the autumn and winter season): influenza, whooping cough, RSV, COVID-19.
Employees and employers
Preventive vaccinations for employees are one of the most effective prevention tools in the workplace. They protect not only employees themselves but also the people with whom they have daily contact. They are particularly important in the case of infectious diseases that can spread rapidly in the work environment and cause numerous absences. For employers, this means lower costs resulting from sick leave; for employees, real protection of their health. Healthcare workers are a particularly important group in which vaccinations play a key role. Due to their constant contact with patients, they are exposed to infectious diseases such as influenza, hepatitis B, whooping cough and COVID-19. Regular vaccinations in this occupational group provide not only individual protection but are also an element of the security of the entire system.
Why are vaccinations so important in healthcare?
Preventive vaccinations form the foundation of safety in the medical sector. Healthcare workers are constantly exposed to pathogens and may potentially transmit diseases between wards, patients and their families. Thanks to vaccinations, they protect not only their own health but also the stability of the medical system. In other words, this is an investment that brings real savings by reducing absences and health complications.
In the context of the infection season, healthcare workers are advised to receive vaccinations against influenza, COVID-19 and whooping cough—detailed recommendations: vaccination schedule for healthcare workers.
Where can you get vaccinated? Preventive vaccinations, including reimbursed vaccinations for specific groups, can be administered at: a primary healthcare clinic and pharmacies that have signed an agreement with the NFZ. Vaccinations at pharmacies are administered by pharmacists (adults only). The availability of vaccination points can be checked on pacjent.gov.pl.
Natural ways to support immunity—together with vaccinations
Vaccinations are the most effective way to protect against severe infectious diseases, but it is also worth supporting the body's immunity every day. Combining medical prevention with daily healthy habits strengthens the effectiveness of health-promoting efforts.
What can you do to support immunity?
- Take care of sleep and recovery—sleep deprivation weakens the immune system.
- Eat a varied diet—vegetables, fruit, fermented foods, whole-grain products and healthy fats support the microbiome and immunity.
- Exercise regularly—daily moderate physical activity strengthens the immune system.
- Avoid stress—relaxation techniques and contact with nature and loved ones help regulate tension.
- Follow hygiene rules—wash your hands with soap and water, especially after returning home and before eating.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue—this limits the spread of microorganisms.
- Ventilate rooms regularly—fresh air reduces the risk of virus transmission.
- Avoid close contact with sick people—this is an important element of infection prevention.
- If you have symptoms of an infection and are going, for example, to a doctor, wear a mask.
Legal notice: The obligation to receive preventive vaccinations for selected occupational groups in Poland is regulated primarily by the Act on Preventing and Combating Infections and Infectious Diseases in Humans of 5 December 2008 and the accompanying regulations of the Minister of Health.