A runny nose, cough, and fever are sending many in Tyrol to seek relief, as infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have recently surged, particularly among children and young people. Fortunately, serious RSV infections in newborns and children under one year old remain rare in the region.
RSV and Measles: Vaccination Efforts in Tyrol
Protecting against respiratory illnesses requires a multi-pronged approach, including hygiene and vaccination. Tyrol is currently addressing gaps in measles vaccination coverage.
- RSV vaccinations for newborns and young children are now available and free of charge.
- Tyrol is seeing high uptake of RSV vaccinations, with a rate of around 80 percent for infants.
- Measles vaccination rates are concerningly low, particularly among those born between 1970 and 2000 and children aged two to five.
- Vaccination is crucial for protecting vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated themselves.
Classic hygiene measures and, above all, vaccinations help to protect against RS viruses. According to the state, vaccines are sufficiently available in Tyrol, as are those to protect against influenza, whooping cough, measles or pneumococcus. New to the federal, state and social security vaccination program and therefore free of charge are vaccinations against pneumococci and shingles for people aged 60 and over as well as an RSV passive vaccination for newborns and small children.
“Especially with RSV you can clearly see how effective vaccinations are,” says Tyrolean health director Theresa Geley. The high uptake with a vaccination rate of around 80 percent for infants is having an effect and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
Protecting the Vulnerable Through High Vaccination Rates
Vaccinations against respiratory and infectious diseases are particularly recommended for groups of people at risk who have an increased risk of severe disease, such as people aged 60 and over and chronically ill people, residents of old people’s and nursing homes, as well as pregnant women and infants. A high vaccination rate is crucial in order to protect those who cannot be vaccinated themselves, such as infants or people with weakened immune systems.
Addressing Declining Measles Vaccination Rates
The country sees a need to catch up when it comes to measles vaccination. Currently, the vaccination rate has fallen, especially for measles. In Tyrol there are vaccination gaps, particularly among people born between 1970 and 2000 and among children between two and five years of age.
Complete protection only exists after two vaccinations. In addition, people with just one vaccination could also be contagious. Geley appeals to check your vaccination status and discuss this with a doctor.
