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Influenza vaccination: that's why it's so important now for this group of people

2021-11-12T11:20:48.220Z


According to experts, the last flu wave has failed. For this winter it could rage all the more violently: You now have to know about the flu vaccination.


According to experts, the last flu wave has failed.

For this winter it could rage all the more violently: You now have to know about the flu vaccination.

Berlin - Every year many people ask themselves: influenza vaccination yes or no?

This year experts are also making a recommendation for people who are not at risk.

In the past year, the flu wave did not materialize due to the corona protective measures.

But this year you shouldn't rely on it.

Influenza vaccination: why it's so important for this group of people now

It was not only the corona protective measures that were responsible for ensuring that we did not have a flu epidemic last year *, but also the recommendation by doctors and politicians to get vaccinated against flu if possible in order to protect hospitals and the health system during the pandemic relieve.

You may remember: last autumn the vaccine * was not yet available and the Christmas lockdown was just around the corner *.

+

Autumn is flu time, so experts advise vaccination.

(Symbol image)

© PhotoDoc / Imago

You can find even more exciting health topics in our free newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here *. 

And indeed: In the end, the influenza vaccinations, certainly also in conjunction with the general hygiene rules * such as keeping your distance * and face masks * and the corona measures such as contact restrictions *, had the desired effect: no flu wave in winter 2020/2021.

Influenza vaccination: Experts expect a strong flu epidemic this winter

The more normality now returns due to the vaccinations and the more the corona measures are relaxed, the more doctors observe that at least respiratory diseases * are rapidly increasing again.

The respiratory masks apparently also had positive effects in this regard.

Experts are therefore already warning that a stronger flu wave could be imminent.

"A flu vaccination is extremely important this winter too *, as a high risk of a strong flu epidemic is to be expected," says Barbara Römer, chairwoman of the family doctors' association in Rhineland-Palatinate.

So it is worth looking into possible vaccination protection.

Influenza vaccination: This group (s) should urgently get vaccinated

The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends the flu vaccination for the following groups of people *:

  • People over 60 years

  • Pregnant women

  • Previously ill, risk patients

  • Medical staff

  • There is no explicit recommendation for healthy people (under 60 years of age) and children, but Stiko does not advise against it.

If vaccination is recommended by Stiko, there are usually no costs.

Otherwise, a vaccination costs 30 to 60 euros.

Since this year, Stiko has been recommending vaccination with so-called high-dose vaccines * so that people over the age of 60 are even better protected against infection.

These differ from the normal influenza vaccines either through certain active enhancers or a higher amount of antigens they contain.

According to the RKI, they are slightly more effective in older people.

The vaccination guideline, which regulates which vaccinations count as health insurance benefits, has been adapted: It therefore provides for a high-dose influenza vaccine for people aged 60 and over.

Influenza vaccination: a mixture of laboratory values ​​worldwide

The vaccine composition is based on analyzes of worldwide laboratory data.

The attempt is made to find the most effective mixture possible, but this prediction is associated with a certain degree of uncertainty.

Geriatricians rate the new guideline positively.

The German Geriatric Society (DGG) expressly welcomes them.

Because the elderly are particularly at risk * of developing an influenza infection.

And they also have a significantly higher mortality rate in the event of an infection.

At the same time, the effectiveness of the vaccination decreases with age.

Influenza vaccination: Side effects are usually very mild

Compared to the normal vaccine, the high-dose vaccines * can trigger mainly local side effects a little more frequently.

These include pain at the injection site.

Even with the standard influenza vaccines, the injection site can be painful, red and swollen a little.

Some feel sickly afterwards: with increased temperature, tiredness, shivering, sweating, headache and body aches.

After two days, however, the ghost should be over, according to the RKI, the vaccination is generally well tolerated.

Influenza vaccination: The right time is October to December

The vaccination is well timed between mid-October and mid-December *.

This has to do with the fact that the optimal protective effect begins around two weeks later and slowly wears off after three months.

The flu wave mostly rolls in between January and March.

Since different influenza viruses are in circulation every season, the vaccine is also constantly being adapted.

This is one of the reasons why you should get vaccinated every year.

Influenza vaccination: Corona vaccination is also possible at the same time

By the way: If you want to be vaccinated against corona and flu, you can save yourself a visit to the practice in the future.

According to the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), it is now possible to have both vaccinations administered in one appointment.

However, the injections should be given on different limbs *, for example the right and left arm.

Caution: If the vaccines are used at the same time, vaccination reactions may occur more frequently than if the vaccines were administered separately.

Read here how flu viruses spread. *

(With material from dpa).

*

24vita.de and Merkur.de are offered by IPPEN.MEDIA.

This article contains only general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication.

In no way does it replace a visit to the doctor.

Unfortunately, our editors are not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.

List of rubric lists: © PhotoDoc / Imago

Source: merkur

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