2023-05-09 15:22:12
The corona pandemic has brought one of the greatest achievements of medicine into the discussion – vaccination. But there is no better way to protect yourself against a disease than vaccination.
“Vaccination has been an extremely simple, inexpensive and, above all, highly effective preventive measure for many years to protect against infectious diseases and prevent their often fatal effects,” says the President of the Medical Association for Lower Austria, Dr. Harald Schlögel, of course. In addition, those who are vaccinated not only protect themselves, but also others who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies or people with a weakened immune system.
Free HPV vaccination for young people up to the age of 21
This also applies to the vaccination against the human papilloma virus (HPV), which has been available free of charge in Lower Austria since February 1, 2023 up to the age of 21.
Vaccination offers good protection against HPV infection, which is the main cause of many cancers. Children and young people between the ages of nine and 21 are vaccinated against HPV free of charge by general practitioners, paediatricians and gynecologists who participate in the child vaccination concept of the State of Lower Austria and are commissioned by the State of Lower Austria to act as vaccinators. From the 21st birthday up to the age of 26, the HPV vaccination is offered in the Lower Austrian clinics at a reduced price of 100 euros.
Vaccination fatigue in old age harbors dangers
Due to low vaccination rates, Austria lacks the important “herd immunity” for many diseases, such as measles, which offers non-vaccinated people indirect protection against an infectious disease. “We don’t get enough vaccinations overall, but if at all, then mostly in childhood,” says Schlögel.
However, the subject of vaccinations does not end with the end of compulsory schooling, because adults too, especially older people, need regular booster vaccinations. Due to the vaccination fatigue in old age, this important type of prevention is increasingly being neglected. However, infectious diseases can become a great danger, especially for older people.
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