With flu season approaching, there is something new this year: for the first time, the flu vaccination is free for everyone living in Austria.
Flu caused by viruses can be serious or even life-threatening and can lead to long periods of absence from work and social life. In recent years, up to 4,000 people have died from flu each season. It is emphasized that vaccination provides a high level of protection against infection, that the disease is usually milder and shorter, and that the risk of complications and hospitalizations is significantly reduced.
For this flu season, 1.2 million vaccine doses are available, around 160,000 more than last year. This was announced on Monday by Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens), Styrian Health Councillor Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) and Andreas Huss, chairman of the Social Insurance Conference.
For those who wish to be vaccinated, a list of all medical practices and facilities offering vaccinations will be published on the federal, state and health insurance websites, which can be accessed via the federal government’s impfen.gv.at and on the ÖGK website and, from the beginning of October, on the hotline 1450. Around 4,000 doctors and institutions have registered with the Bundesbesourcing GmbH e-vaccination shop to order flu vaccination doses. Delivery of the vaccine will start on Monday. There is also a campaign by the federal government, states and social security for the flu vaccination.
Pathogens are constantly changing
Because the viruses are constantly changing, an annual vaccination is necessary. For optimal protection, the bite should occur before the start of the cold season between mid-October and the end of November. The flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and older. Vaccination is especially important for people at increased risk of serious illness, such as infants, small children and children, people aged 60 and older, pregnant women and people at increased risk of infection.
The demand is huge
The vaccination programme is jointly financed by the federal government, the states and social security. Due to the high demand last year, the programme was expanded: in total, around 1.2 million doses of vaccine are available for this winter season in Austria, around 160,000 doses more than in the winter of 2023/2024. Last year, more than 98 percent of the available vaccines from the public flu vaccination programme were actually used. In addition, flu vaccinations were also purchased via the private market.
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.
