While the vaccination against Covid-19 remains free, some others cost hundreds of euros. These include the HPV vaccination and the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine. The SPÖ, the pensioners’ association and the ombudsman service now demand that all vaccinations recommended in the domestic plan be given free of charge.
“You have to be able to afford health care, there is still dual medicine here,” criticized Ombudsman Bernhard Achitz (SPÖ). As an example, he mentioned the herpes zoster vaccination, which is recommended for people over 50 and other high-risk groups. Often there is not even a subsidy for this. “Health should not be dependent on income – so should provisions,” said Achitz. A full vaccination against shingles costs about 500 euros.
The pensioners’ association (PVÖ) also demanded in a broadcast that all vaccinations recommended in the vaccination plan be offered free of charge. “Older people in particular, who are also more susceptible on average due to their weaker immune systems, are often affected. This also applies, for example, to pneumococci, against which – just like with shingles – vaccination is recommended, but also has to be paid privately,’ says PVÖ chairman Peter Kostelka. He reminded, among other things, that treating an infection is much more expensive than vaccinating.
This demand is also supported by SPÖ health spokesman Philip Kucher. For example, in Austria vaccinations against Covid-19, diphtheria, TBE, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HPV, measles/mumps/rubella and pneumococci are recommended. However, according to the PVÖ, travel vaccinations should not be offered free of charge.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
