After last fall’s failure, political expert Peter Filzmaier hopes for a government learning curve. The upcoming elections will not increase vaccination rates. But there is a small glimmer of hope.
All health experts agree: the corona vaccination rate in the fall must be increased to get through the cold season. The pressure on the government is increasing. Also considering the failure in the previous year, when the population could not be sufficiently mobilized for vaccination. “This time it will only work with full intensity,” says political expert Filzmaier, who sees the cart almost hopelessly stuck in the mud.
Elections as quota depressor, rewards as opportunity
Also because four state elections are in the pipeline, no ballots can be filled with the unpopular vaccination theme. “Even the SPÖ in Carinthia will not rush towards mandatory vaccination,” says Filzmaier, who sees a reward system as the most promising approach. “But it can’t be a lottery with a big prize. Lots of small and medium prizes from 100 to 1000 euros would probably be the right approach.” The costs incurred could be offset by the resulting savings (absence of sick leave and lockdowns, health system).
“Every measure, such as flying buses, is important. Every percentage point counts.” Filzmaier emphasizes that it is extremely important “to design it as a long-term campaign. With the constant ‘sometimes yes, sometimes no’ you start almost from scratch every time.”
Psychologist Barbara Juen relies on targeted education (see image above) by trained health professionals: “You need to specifically address people’s fears.”
“May increase vaccination coverage to 50,000 stitches at any time”
At the latest when new campaigns start in the autumn, the willingness of the population to be vaccinated will increase again. And with it the vaccination options – which are partly available in Styria and Lower Austria, for example, via vaccination cans. “We already have a higher demand due to the fourth vaccination,” says Stefan Spielbichler, who coordinates the vaccination buses in Lower Austria.
Between 300 and 500 “mobile” vaccinations are administered daily. “We currently cover the need with two buses, but there were also six.” The vaccination rate can be increased to 50,000 per week in a very short time. “Because we have a huge workforce. There are also the state vaccination centers in Lower Austria, whose opening times can be quickly extended,” says Spielbichler. The same flexibility also applies to PCR tests.
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.
