Flu: Fewer vaccinations – more cases of illness
06.11.2023 17:35
Decline in flu vaccinations: As figures from KKH Kaufmännische Krankenkasse show, around 14 percent fewer people were vaccinated against influenza, as the flu is also called, in the last winter half of the year than in the winter of 2021/2022. While a total of around 19 percent of insured people got the spades against the flu during the Corona winter, last winter it was only 16.5 percent.
Women were vaccinated more often than men. At the same time, a data analysis by the KKH shows that more than twice as many people fell ill with flu in the winter of 2022/2023 than in the previous year. In total, the KKH registered around 15,000 influenza cases in the last winter half-year and has thus reached the pre-Corona level again. “By keeping your distance and wearing masks, not only the corona viruses but also the flu viruses were kept in check in recent winters. Now significantly more people are falling ill again. “It is all the more important to think about vaccination in good time in order to protect yourself as best as possible,” emphasizes KKH pharmacist Sven Seißelberg.
Symptoms of flu caused by influenza viruses include sudden onset of fever, headaches, body aches, dry cough and persistent physical weakness. “In rare cases, the flu can be very severe and lead to inflammation of the lungs or myocardium. “Especially people over 60 and high-risk patients such as pregnant women or chronically ill people should protect themselves with a vaccination,” says Seißelberg. Particularly important: Since virus strains are constantly changing, a new vaccine is developed every year. An annual booster of the vaccination is therefore necessary in order to be sufficiently protected. The KKH pharmacist recommends: “The optimal time for the flu shot is the autumn weeks until the end of November. The immune system then needs about two weeks to develop sufficient protection and is well prepared for the flu season, which usually begins in January.”
The KKH covers the costs of the flu vaccination for all insured persons, regardless of whether they are at-risk patients or not. “If you want to protect yourself, you can easily pick up the Spades at a family doctor’s office. We have recently made it possible for our adult insured persons to have another, easy way to get vaccinated: those interested can now get advice and be vaccinated free of charge at participating pharmacies. This is often possible without an appointment and long waiting times,” explains expert Seißelberg. He particularly advises older people and high-risk patients to find out more about simultaneous vaccination against the coronavirus.