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The flu epidemic may hit less hard this winter than in previous years, thanks to the corona measures that also help prevent the spread of the regular flu. That says the Pharmacists Association. The organization asks on Wednesday to give priority to absolute risk groups in the flu vaccination.<!– –>
International research shows that the flu epidemic in countries such as Argentina and Australia – where the flu season falls between June and August every year – peaked much less this year than in the past five years, says the Pharmacists’ Union. An important reason for this is the measures that were used as a result of the corona virus, such as social distancing, mouth mask obligation and increased hygiene, and which also prove effective against the spread of the regular seasonal flu.
Exponential rise in vaccine applications
The APB, the national federation of independent pharmacists, is currently seeing the number of applications for flu vaccines rising exponentially. “Because many healthy over-50s also want to be vaccinated this year, waiting lists are now being created at some pharmacies,” explains Lieven Zwaenepoel, chairman of the APB.<!– –>
In this context, the Pharmacists’ Association asks to give absolute priority to high-risk groups in the first instance, until 15 November. This concerns patients at risk, pregnant women, people over 50 and care providers.
3 million vaccines
This winter, a total of some three million flu vaccines will be available. Nearly 1 million of these will be delivered from the beginning of November and before mid-December, “well in time for the peak of the flu epidemic, which traditionally does not fall until January or February”.
“We call on healthy people to be patient and in the meantime to continue to strictly follow the measures announced against the spread of the corona virus. It is important to show solidarity as a society and to protect our high-risk patients and the healthcare sector. ”
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