At the end of last week, 7.9 percent of the population in Austria had been vaccinated against flu. That is less than one in ten people. In the seasons 2004/05 to 2009/10, the vaccination rate was between 11.3 and 15.4 percent.
This comes from an estimate by the Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH). Before the Corona winter of 2020/21, there were increasing calls for vaccination against the flu in order not to place an additional burden on hospitals. As a result, almost two million Austrians were vaccinated, equivalent to 22.1 percent of the population. In Vienna at the time, vaccination was free and easily accessible, for example in trams.
In the 2021/22 season, flu vaccination fell again to 16.9 percent. At the end of last week, only 7.9 percent of people in Austria had been vaccinated, according to the vaccination dashboard of the umbrella organization of social insurers.
Here you can see the flu vaccination percentage in recent years.
Partly free
According to doctors, now is still a good time for vaccination. Virus activity is increasing, there is no wave yet. Flu vaccinations are offered free of charge in retirement homes, pediatricians and company doctors. Doctors in private practice have received doses, but some of them were unable to reorder them a few weeks ago. Those who wanted to be vaccinated therefore had to go to pharmacies and pay privately for the vaccine and then a vaccination fee.
The Ministry of Health then emphasized that it was possible to go to doctors who still had vaccines in stock for vaccination. Last Sunday, more than 275,000 of the total of one million doses ordered had not been vaccinated. A full administration would mean a rate of 10.9 percent.
Last season 4000 deaths
The flu wave is expected from January to March. According to the Agency for Health and Food Security (AGES), around 4,000 people died from the flu last season, including several children. The vaccination is particularly recommended for the elderly, pregnant women and children.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
