“The first weak outbreak of Covid has already reached us; This is demonstrated, on the one hand, by the increase in the number of patients in family doctors’ offices and, on the other hand, by the monitoring of wastewater”, says Prettner. Carinthia has the densest network in Austria, with eleven monitoring points. “And we will continue to intensify it. Today we discuss expanding monitoring to include other viruses. This means we can react quickly in the event of a significant increase and take the necessary action.” There are currently 20 corona patients in the normal ward of the Carinthian hospitals and one patient in the intensive care unit.
New corona vaccinations
“The new corona vaccinations have been possible in Carinthia for a good week. Unlike previous years, only one vaccination is now required for the entire season. Vaccinations are carried out in private offices by family doctors”, informed the health official. According to Maria Korak-Leiter, vice-president of the resident doctors, just over 100 people have been vaccinated against Corona in recent days. “Currently there are around 120 doctors registered as corona vaccinators. But there are more and more. All relevant contacts can be consulted on the Medical Association home page. In any case, we have a good and comprehensive network throughout Carinthia”, assured Korak-Leiter. E: Corona vaccination is still free.
Flu vaccination from October 10th
Although Corona vaccination is already underway, influenza vaccination will begin around October 10th. “As far as flu vaccination is concerned, I have good news to announce: we have succeeded – and by this I mean the ministry, the federal states and the SVS – in launching for the first time a national and uniform flu campaign. It doesn’t matter where you get vaccinated: the vaccination will cost just 7 euros! E: For some groups, vaccination will be completely free”, explained Prettner. Vaccination for children is free as part of the childhood vaccination program; people in nursing homes and nursing homes; People exempt from the prescription fee; Employees as part of company vaccinations. “Around one million vaccines will be administered across Austria. Around 61 thousand doses were reserved for Carinthia. The country will spend more than 400 thousand euros on this”, said the health official. The aim of this flu vaccination program is to increase the vaccination rate in the Austrian population as a whole.
“Vaccine has to be adjusted every year”
“We must not forget: across Austria, an average of more than 1,000 people die from the flu every year,” warned Korak-Leiter. “The flu is also a very serious illness for children. Every year I have little patients who have to be treated in hospital.” Korak-Leiter highlighted the difference between flu-like infections and flu: “Vaccination does not protect against flu-like infection with runny nose, cough, slight fever, but it does protect against the flu and therefore against the possibility of becoming seriously ill.” Flu viruses are constantly changing. Different subtypes of influenza viruses circulate in the population during each influenza season. “Therefore, vaccines must be adjusted every year to ensure protection against the flu,” says Korak-leiter. So it would be wrong to say: I was vaccinated against the flu last year anyway, so I don’t need another vaccination this year.
Children receive nasal vaccination
Prettner particularly recommended flu vaccination for people aged 65 and over and people with chronic illnesses, but also for pregnant women and people who are surrounded by many people at work (such as healthcare and nursing staff, educators or tourism workers and commerce) – and, of course, children. “Children (up to 18 years old) receive vaccination via the nasal route. So there is no injection, no stitches…”
The season starts in early November
Flu “season” is expected to begin in early November. This also applies to RSV, the third infectious disease of the fall/winter. RSV refers to the severe respiratory disease respiratory syncytial virus: vaccines were approved for it for the first time this year. That’s the good news. The less good news is that you currently have to pay around 275 euros for it. Vaccination is recommended for people aged 60 and over.
Note: Simultaneous vaccination for Covid and flu is possible.