This briefing summarizes recent findings from the World Health Organization’s European surveillance and research programs examining the continued burden of COVID-19 on hospital systems and the protective impact of vaccination against severe disease. Drawing on data from the EuroSave network, the analysis reflects nearly 4,000 hospitalizations for acute respiratory illness across Europe over a one-year period, with COVID-19 accounting for a significant and persistent share of admissions. The findings confirm that SARS-CoV-2 remains an active driver of serious morbidity within existing health infrastructure.The data indicate a clear association between vaccination status and clinical outcomes. Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, recent vaccination coverage was minimal, while rates of oxygen requirement, intensive care unit admission, and mortality remained substantial. Comparative analysis shows that COVID-19 continues to produce more severe outcomes than other respiratory infections, reinforcing its relevance as an ongoing public health and health system management issue rather than a resolved emergency.Vaccine effectiveness estimates demonstrate sustained protection against hospitalization and severe outcomes when immunization is kept current, particularly within six months of administration. These results support the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into routine immunization policy, risk mitigation planning, and long-term respiratory disease surveillance frameworks. The evidence underscores vaccination as a core component of institutional strategies to reduce preventable strain on hospitals and critical care capacity across Europe.