Warning: Flu Often Leads to Dangerous Secondary Infection with Pneumococci - Vaccination Protects

Since autumn, a campaign for the pneumococcal vaccination has been running in pharmacies. Until the end of March, the vaccines are still available at a reduced price. Although an infection is possible throughout the year, pneumococci are much more common in winter, among other things due to the flu season. For healthy individuals over 60, a vaccination with two different vaccines is recommended at an interval of one year. A repetition is not planned. Many cases of bacterial pneumonia can be prevented through immunisation.

The danger posed by pneumococci is not new. Studies have shown years ago that pneumococci were partly to blame for the 50 to 100 million deaths during the Spanish flu at the beginning of the 20th century, the ÖVIH informed. The danger has not changed to this day. "The big difference from earlier times is that there are preventive vaccinations today," emphasized ÖVIH President Renée Gallo-Daniel. "However, they are used far too little, among other things because the costs have to be borne by the population themselves." Inclusion in an adult vaccination program would make sense. The influenza vaccination is already free for everyone this season.

(APA/Red.)

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