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Cases of flu and corona infections usually increase in autumn and winter. Which groups of people are particularly at risk from an illness.
With the arrival of the cold season, the importance of vaccinations against flu and corona comes back into focus. These protective measures are essential, especially for risk groups, in order to prevent serious illnesses. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) emphasizes: “The best available protection against influenza is vaccination.” Therefore, she advises Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) to an annual flu vaccination and a corona booster vaccination for specific population groups.
Recommendation for flu vaccination for certain risk groups
The annual flu vaccination can offer protection against possible complications caused by the disease, especially for risk groups. © BW photo/Eibner press photo/Imago
In particular, people over 60 years of age, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses DiabeticPeople with high blood pressure and immunocompromised people should get vaccinated against flu annually. These groups are particularly at risk for serious illnesses. The vaccine is adapted every year to the currently circulating viruses. The RKI explains: “The effectiveness can vary from year to year. As circulating viruses change, protective effectiveness may also change over the course of the season. Several factors are responsible for effectiveness (including vaccine type, antigen match, virus change, pre-existing residual immunity, age). The protective effect is between 20 and 60 percent, and in older people it is around 40 percent.”
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Corona vaccination: who should protect themselves?
Die STIKO recommends an annual corona booster vaccination for people who have an increased risk of serious illness. These include people over 60 years of age, people with chronic illnesses such as asthma, COPD, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity, as well as residents of nursing facilities. Medical staff with direct patient contact should also be vaccinated to reduce the risk of infection. Investigations point out that protection against severe disease lasts at least twelve months. A booster vaccination in autumn is therefore particularly recommended for risk groups. Find out how you can strengthen your immune system alongside vaccination.
When is the right time for vaccination?
To be protected against the flu epidemic in January, the ideal time to get the flu vaccination is between October and mid-December. But a later vaccination can also make sense, especially if the flu epidemic has not yet started. The corona vaccination should also be carried out in autumn in order to be protected during the infection season. General practitioners play a crucial role in advising patients as they are informed about the current flu season and can make individual recommendations.
Special vaccination recommendations for contact persons
Not only people at risk themselves, but also their contacts should be vaccinated. The decision to vaccinate should always be made in consultation with the doctor to take individual risks and needs into account. Vaccinations are an important part of health protection, especially in the upcoming peak season of flu and corona infections.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.
