247 Vaccine-preventable diseases in migrants to Europe: a systematic review

Abstract OP 1: Determinants of Health Disease and Interventions 1, B207 (FCSH), September 3, 2025, 14:30 - 15:30 Background Migrants in Europe experience suboptimal access to vaccination services, contributing to increased vulnerability to vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Despite policy initiatives advocating for universal immunization, data on VPD burden among migrants remains limited. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the prevalence, incidence, mortality, and long-term outcomes of VPDs in migrant populations across European Union (EU)/European Economic Area (EEA) countries and Switzerland between 2010 and 2024. Methods A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and Global Health databases, complemented by a grey literature search. Studies reporting VPD cases among migrants were included. Data extraction captured VPD cases, demographic characteristics, vaccination status, and outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools. Results A total of 58 studies met inclusion criteria, covering 1957 cases of VPDs among migrants across 16 countries. Migrants from the Eastern Mediterranean and African regions were disproportionately affected by diphtheria, while European-origin migrants were frequently involved in measles outbreaks. Vaccination history was inconsistently reported, with many cases having uncertain or unknown immunization status. The quality of studies was generally moderate to low, with 14 studies at high risk of bias. Conclusion Migrants represent an at-risk population for VPDs in Europe, with disparities in vaccination coverage contributing to disease burden. Strengthening catch-up vaccination programs, particularly in adolescents and adults, as well as improving data collection on vaccination history, and addressing healthcare access barriers are critical to mitigating VPD risks among migrant populations.