With the start of autumn, respiratory diseases would increase significantly again in the state of Tyrol. In addition to the typical adenoviruses and rhinoviruses, wastewater monitoring also shows an increase in corona infections. The flu wave is traditionally expected to begin at the end of December or January. In order to best protect yourself against the typical illnesses of the cold season, the state of Tyrol now urgently recommends refreshing your vaccination protection against influenza, corona, RSV and pneumococci as early as possible.
Vaccination supposedly makes sense for risk groups
“Ideally, the vaccinations should take place in October or November, as full protection only develops after several weeks. The corona vaccination is currently particularly recommended, as the number of infections is rising again,” explains Health Director Theresa Geley.
A later vaccination in November still makes sense against influenza. The vaccinations are particularly important for risk groups such as older people, pregnant women, chronically ill people, residents of care facilities and health workers in order to prevent serious illnesses.
Early vaccination as protection for risk groups
A high vaccination rate is crucial to contain the spread of influenza, corona and RSV.
According to the state of Tyrol, groups at particular risk should protect themselves early on, including people aged 60 and over, people who are very overweight, residents of old people’s and nursing homes and people with chronic illnesses.
Vaccinations are also expressly recommended for pregnant women and health workers. For children, a flu vaccination is recommended, especially for infants six months and older and small children.
Current vaccination recommendations for Corona, influenza and RSV
The corona booster vaccination is free and can only be administered four months after the last vaccination or an infection. The vaccine from BioNTech/Pfizer (Corminaty), adapted to the current virus variants, is available for people aged six months and older. The vaccination is mainly carried out by doctors in private practice or in vaccination centers in the Tyrolean districts.
The influenza vaccination is also available free of charge as part of the Austrian influenza vaccination program (ÖIP), while stocks last. Vaccinations can be carried out by general practitioners.
Vaccination against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also useful for people aged 60 and over and pregnant women. This is subject to a fee and is available from general practitioners. The pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended for people aged 60 and over. For people with increased nicotine or alcohol consumption, this recommendation already applies from the age of 50.
Country points out hygiene measures
In addition to vaccination, proven hygiene measures should continue to be observed to prevent infections: regular hand washing, sneezing and coughing into the crook of your arm, wearing a mask on public transport and keeping your distance in doctor’s offices and hospitals will remain important, it is said.
Further information and an overview of all vaccination locations in Tyrol can be found online at: www.tirol.gv.at/impfen.
