Hundreds of thousands of people get the flu every year. However, there is still room for improvement in vaccination rates. A new active ingredient should help.
To protect against the flu, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) now recommends another vaccine for people aged 60 and over. According to a statement, the influenza active ingredient contains MF-59, an additive that enhances the vaccination effect. Stiko now recommends two flu vaccines for people older than 60. The experts rate their effectiveness as equivalent.
Every year, numerous people in Germany get the flu. In the 2023/2024 season, around 221,000 cases were transmitted to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). The number of cases among people aged 60 and over was 62,451. Since many cases are not recorded, the RKI assumes a significantly higher number of illnesses overall.
“In 2023, there were 10,290 hospitalizations and 852 deaths due to a proven seasonal influenza infection,” says a current RKI report. Older people in particular are affected by severe disease.
According to the report, vaccination rates are low. In the 2021/2022 season, only 43 percent of people aged 60 and over were vaccinated. The RKI cites the possible reasons that the dangers of flu are underestimated and that the vaccination sometimes has a poor effect in this age group.
With the new vaccine, the experts hope to achieve greater acceptance of the vaccination among the population and to increase the vaccination rate.
The Stiko recommends an annual flu vaccination for chronically ill people, pregnant women from the second trimester onwards, residents of old people’s and nursing homes and medical staff. In order to be protected in good time, the RKI recommends getting vaccinated from October to mid-December.
Interviewer: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a very special guest, Dr. Lisa Chen, a public health expert specializing in infectious diseases and vaccinations. Dr. Chen, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: Let’s dive right in. We know that hundreds of thousands of people catch the flu every year, and vaccination rates still have room for improvement. Can you shed some light on why vaccination is crucial, particularly for the elderly population?
Dr. Chen: Absolutely. The flu can be a very serious illness, especially for those aged 60 and over who often have weakened immune systems. Vaccination is our strongest defense against severe flu infections, hospitalizations, and complications that can arise from the virus. By vaccinating, we not only protect ourselves but also contribute to herd immunity, which is vital for community protection.
Interviewer: That leads us to the recent recommendation by the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) for a new vaccine featuring an active ingredient called MF-59. How does this additive enhance the vaccine’s effectiveness?
Dr. Chen: Great question! MF-59 is an adjuvant, which means it enhances the body’s immune response to the vaccine. By improving the immune system’s reaction to the flu antigens, this new formulation can potentially provide better protection, especially in older adults who may not respond as robustly to standard vaccines. The two recommended vaccines for those aged 60 and over are now considered equivalent in effectiveness, thanks to this innovation.
Interviewer: That’s fascinating! With the introduction of these new vaccines, what can we do to encourage higher vaccination rates among the elderly population?
Dr. Chen: Education is key. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of the flu and the benefits of vaccination, specifically tailored for older adults. Outreach programs that emphasize personal stories and testimonials can make a big difference. Additionally, accessibility plays a crucial role; ensuring that vaccinations are available in convenient locations and that healthcare providers discuss them during routine check-ups can help increase participation.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multifaceted approach is necessary. What challenges do you see ahead in achieving better vaccination rates, especially with this new recommendation?
Dr. Chen: One significant challenge is vaccine hesitancy. Misinformation and fear surrounding vaccinations can deter people, particularly the elderly, from receiving their shots. It’s crucial to combat this misinformation with factual, straightforward information and to build trust within communities. Additionally, logistics such as ensuring enough supplies and trained personnel to administer these vaccines need to be addressed—especially during peak flu seasons.
Interviewer: Those are indeed significant hurdles. Before we wrap up, do you have any final thoughts for our viewers on preparing for the upcoming flu season?
Dr. Chen: Yes! I encourage everyone, especially those over 60, to talk to their healthcare providers about getting vaccinated with the new options available. Keeping up with vaccinations is an important aspect of staying healthy as we age. And remember, practicing good hygiene, like hand washing and staying home when sick, can also help reduce flu transmission.
Interviewer: Thank you so much, Dr. Chen, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that vaccination is crucial in combating flu season, particularly for our elderly population.
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me! Let’s work together to encourage more informed decisions about health and vaccination.
Interviewer: Absolutely. And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. Stay healthy, and see you next time!