Respiratory infections: prepare today for protection tomorrow
This campaign is an initiative of Pfizer.
Respiratory infections are often associated with winter. However, while some are seasonal, others can occur at any time of the year and may lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, or even death. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to help protect yourself: vaccination.¹ Talk to your general practitioner, who can advise you based on your individual profile.
Which infections – and why get vaccinated?
Certain viral or bacterial infections can affect the respiratory tract down to the lungs and become severe, particularly in people with a weakened immune system.
These are the main infections that deserve special attention:
Influenza remains a well-known threat. Although it mainly occurs during the colder months, the impact of flu remains unpredictable. Each year, an average of 500,000 people in Belgium are affected, and more than 90% of deaths occur in people aged 65 and over. Thankfully, an adapted vaccine is available every season. ²
Pneumococcal infections are a major cause of severe pneumonia. In 2024, Belgium recorded a significant increase in pneumococcal infections, with more than 2,000 reported cases. ³ This trend continued during the first half of 2025, with a total of 1,631 reported cases between 1 January 2025 and 30 June 2025. This represents an increase of 38.7% compared to the same period in 2024. ⁴ Among people aged 65 and over, the mortality rate is 12% and doubles in those aged 85 and over.⁵ Vaccination can help reduce the risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia. ⁶
Whooping cough was long mistakenly considered a childhood disease, but it can be severe at any age. Today, up to five babies still die from whooping cough every year in Belgium. ⁷ Pregnant women and older adults are particularly at increased risk. Due to the recent resurgence, booster vaccinations are important, especially to protect young infants who are not or only partially vaccinated, as well as vulnerable adults. ⁷˒⁸
RSV infections (respiratory syncytial virus) are common in babies, but adults can also be infected. Around 7,000 cases are identified each year in Belgium. ⁹ The virus can lead to complications such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. ¹⁰ Among hospitalised adults, 58% develop at least one complication. ¹¹ For these at-risk groups, targeted vaccination is now available. Infants can also be protected from birth, either through vaccination of the mother during pregnancy or through the injection of monoclonal antibodies in the first days of life.
Although Covid-19 is now better controlled, it remains a significant respiratory infection. In 2024, it accounted for 41% of seasonal respiratory infections in Belgium. ¹² Less than half of people aged 65 and over were vaccinated at that time, even though the risk of death among hospitalized patients remains higher than for influenza. ¹³˒¹⁴ Annual vaccination therefore continues to be strongly recommended for the most vulnerable individuals.
Who should be vaccinated first?
Some people are at greater risk of developing severe forms of respiratory infections. It is essential to prioritize their protection:
- People aged over 60 years¹⁵-¹⁷
- People with chronic conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, asthma, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, etc.) ⁷˒¹⁵-¹⁷
- Pregnant women¹⁷-¹⁸
- Babies and young children¹⁷-²⁰
In practice
Vaccination is an effective way to protect yourself and those around you against preventable diseases. ¹ Some vaccines can be administered at the same time and, in some cases, in certain pharmacies. Do not wait until winter to protect yourself — plan your vaccinations, or those of your loved ones, in good time. It is a simple step to avoid many complications.
260090 – April 2026
