Flu vaccination: act now to avoid winter diseases!

Flu vaccination: act now to avoid winter diseases!

Österreich - The influenza wave is just around the corner, and the warnings of the Ministry of Health are unmistakable: "The real flu is really not funny." This urgent message has apparently not yet arrived for many, because the vaccination rate for the current season is alarming. According to Dr. Ursula Hollenstein, an experienced infectiologist, have only been vaccinated since the start of the vaccination campaign on September 1, 2024. If this trend continues, long sicknesses and superfluous hospital stays threaten, while influenza meets slowly but surely affects people at risk. There is currently hardly any influenza activity in Austria, but the numbers in other parts of Europe are already increasing.

vaccinations are free for everyone from the 6th month of life and are offered in numerous medical practices and vaccination centers. Dr. Hollenstein encourages the population to be immunized now because vaccination protection becomes active within 10 to 14 days. It is important that children in particular are vaccinated to protect endangered groups such as older people, pregnant women and chronically ill. Current information about locations for vaccination can be called up on the vaccination portal

special caution for risk groups

The recommendations for influenza vaccination are particularly clear to people with a weakened immune system. According to the STIKO, people with congenital or acquired immune deficiency have an increased risk of serious disease courses in influenza. Therefore, an annual vaccination is strongly recommended. In patients who go through chemotherapy, it is advisable to have them vaccinated either at least two weeks before the start of treatment or between the chemotherapy cycles to protect their immunity. The nasal -administered attacked live vaccine is not suitable for this group because it represents the risk of virus transmission. Usable alternatives are the influenza-to-intimates that are considered safe and effective.

For comprehensive information about vaccination recommendations for immune deficit and their contact persons, the latest communications from the STIKO can be consulted on the website of the Robert Koch-Institut.