2023-10-06 00:02:00
New Vaccines Approved for RSV, Pneumococcus, and Pertussis; Whooping Cough Vaccine Needs to be Refreshed Every Ten Years
Vienna, Austria – As the flu season approaches, health experts are urging people to get vaccinated against not only influenza but also other respiratory illnesses. This year, two new vaccines have been approved for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for individuals aged 60 and over. One of these vaccines can also be used by pregnant women to passively protect their babies.
According to Dr. Maria Paulke-Korinek from the Ministry of Health, the RSV season usually starts earlier than the flu season, making it crucial for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and infants, to receive timely immunization. The RSV vaccine, however, comes at a higher price, around 275 euros, and is not covered by public health insurance.
In addition to RSV, vaccinations against pneumococcus, the bacteria causing pneumonia, and pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, are also recommended. The whooping cough vaccine needs to be refreshed every ten years. After the age of 60, refreshing the vaccine every five years is advisable.
The Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH) held a press conference to address these recommendations by health officials. They emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness and complications from these respiratory infections.
While the corona vaccine is still provided free of charge, and the flu vaccine requires a deductible of seven euros, the RSV vaccine has to be paid for privately. However, health experts believe that the benefits of getting vaccinated outweigh the cost, especially for high-risk individuals.
Pneumococcal infection is particularly dangerous for young children and the elderly. The vaccine for this infection is included in the free child vaccination program and is recommended again for individuals starting from the age of 60.
As the flu season approaches, health authorities are encouraging everyone, especially high-risk individuals, to get vaccinated against these preventable respiratory illnesses. Vaccination not only protects individuals but also helps to reduce the burden on the healthcare system during the ongoing pandemic.]
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