Vaccines are administered for active immunization. They protect not only yourself but also the people around you.
Flu
Why? Flu can lead to serious complications, such as heart and lung diseases, in vulnerable groups, the elderly and sometimes also in healthy people. The influenza virus changes shape every year. That is why the World Health Organization continually adjusts the composition of the vaccine.
How? All people over 65, everyone with some chronic condition, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and people who live with a person at risk. For them, the vaccination has largely been reimbursed.
What? The flu vaccine for this winter is also a non-live vaccine and consists of particles of four flu virus strains, two A and two B strains. Cost: 4.08 euros in reimbursement, 2.45 euros with increased compensation
When? From the end of October – beginning of November.
Pneumococcus
Why? Pneumococcal bacteria appear to be highly resistant to antibiotic treatments. This makes vaccination extra important, not only to prevent serious complications such as pneumonia, meningitis or blood poisoning, but also to keep these bacteria sensitive to the only cure in the long term: antibiotics.
More and better vaccines against pneumococci are available that offer much broader protection against dangerous types. The 20-valent vaccine is currently recommended (80.98 euros). There is also a 23-valent vaccine (33.66 euros). The Superior Health Council prefers the 20-valent vaccine as the first or only vaccine.
How? All people over 50 with chronic conditions.
What? For people over 50 with a chronic condition: a first vaccination with the 20-valent vaccine and a repeat after five years with the 23-valent vaccine. For healthy adults (65-85 years): a single vaccination with the 20-valent vaccine. There is an adapted schedule for people with an increased risk of a pneumococcal infection (e.g. immune disorder). These vaccines are not reimbursed, although some health insurance funds do provide a small compensation.
When? Throughout the year.
Zona (herpes zoster or shingles)
Why? Age is a very determining factor in the case of shingles. From the age of 50, the chance that the virus, which almost everyone contracts in childhood, will become active again increases. From the age of 60, the curve increases steeply and the risk of complications increases, such as persistent nerve pain or eye problems. In many European countries, people over 60 and risk groups are therefore already systematically vaccinated against shingles. Our country is lagging behind in that area.
How? The Superior Health Council strongly recommends the vaccine for people over 60 and people with weakened immunity.
What? A new vaccine against zona has been available since 2022 (Shingrix). Price: 170 euros, and two doses are required.
When? Throughout the year.
Tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough
Why and who? The combination vaccine that protects against these three infectious diseases must be repeated every 10 years in all adults. If the doctor orders this via Vaccinnet (Flanders), it is completely free.
When? Throughout the year.
Covid
Why? A new peak of infections is expected by October. Unlike flu, which occurs seasonally, Covid infections occur almost all year round, but also slightly more often during the winter period.
How? A free booster shot with an adapted Covid vaccine that protects against the currently circulating variants is recommended for people over 65, people with underlying conditions and pregnant women.
What? The annual Covid vaccination will be comparable to the policy against flu. You can also have both vaccines administered at the same time. This can be done through your GP or pharmacist. “Such a simultaneous vaccination is practical, but if we notice that the peaks of both infections do not coincide, it is better to be vaccinated at separate times to be maximally protected.”
When? From September onwards, it can be done all year round, depending on expected infection peaks.
2023-10-29 10:52:00
#vaccines #indispensable #Magazine
