The number of flu vaccinations is increasing.
06.10.2022 09:45
More and more people are getting vaccinated against the flu. Data from the KKH health insurance company shows that the vaccination rate among its members was over 19 percent last winter. Compared to pre-pandemic years, when an average of around 15 percent of those insured were vaccinated, this represents an increase of approximately 30 percent. Women received the flu shot significantly more often than men.
„This is a welcome development, because getting vaccinated reduces your risk of illness,“ explains KKH pharmacist Sven Seißelberg. The COVID-19 pandemic may have had a positive effect on the increased vaccination rate: „The topic of vaccination has been very prominent in recent years, which has raised awareness among many people and made them realize how important protection can be. The flu vaccine makes a severe case of the illness or a hospital stay less likely,“ Seißelberg emphasizes.
Measures such as lockdowns, social distancing, and mandatory mask-wearing have contributed to a reduced spread of influenza viruses over the past two years. While the number of flu cases rose significantly again in the winter of 2021/2022 compared to the previous year (up 61 percent), it remained well below pre-pandemic levels. The KKH health insurance company registered approximately 6,700 medically diagnosed cases of influenza. Influenza differs from a harmless cough or cold. Symptoms include, for example, a sudden onset of high fever, headache and body aches, a dry cough, and persistent physical weakness. Experts expect a further increase in cases this coming winter. "The risk of contracting the flu is currently higher for many people because, after two years of COVID-19 measures and low flu rates, the immune system is not well prepared. This makes getting vaccinated all the more important," explains Sven Seißelberg.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) generally recommends vaccination for people at high risk of severe influenza. Health insurance companies must cover the cost of the flu vaccine for those over 60 and other risk groups. These include people with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women, medical personnel, and those whose work involves close contact with many people. "We at KKH cover the flu vaccine for everyone because we want our insured members to be protected as much as possible," explains the KKH pharmacist. It is particularly important to note that since influenza viruses are constantly evolving, a booster shot with the latest vaccine is necessary every year.
„"Until now, flu vaccinations were only available at doctors' offices. This is changing this fall, as pharmacies will also be authorized to administer influenza vaccines. This means that those wishing to be vaccinated no longer have to wait for an appointment with their family doctor, but can conveniently get the shot at their local pharmacy," reports Sven Seißelberg. He also recommends inquiring about a simultaneous vaccination against the coronavirus. "Whether it's a first vaccination or a booster shot, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) sees no reason not to administer the vaccines at the same time. This provides double protection."“