Vaccination Rate in Austria Leaves Much to Be Desired

Vaccinations prevent not only acute infections in adults but also their often serious aftereffects such as consciousness disorders (delirium), dementia, heart attacks, and strokes, explained medical professionals on the sidelines of an expert symposium in Vienna to the APA. However, vaccination rates in Austria are "modest." One reason for this is that the vaccination process for adults in this country is often time-consuming and not always straightforward.

Expert: "Fails in Implementation"

"We have a very good vaccination plan that is detailed and scientifically based," said Birgit Weinberger from the Institute for Biomedical Aging Research at the University of Innsbruck. The current version, which is over 250 pages long, also includes very detailed and comprehensive vaccination recommendations for adults of different age, risk, and occupational groups. "So it's not failing because of that," she explained: "It rather fails in the implementation."

Only 20% of Austrians Vaccinated Against Influenza

"Vaccination rates in Austria are rather modest compared to the rest of Europe," said Weinberger. For influenza ("real flu"), the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a vaccination rate of three-quarters of the population over 65 years old, but in this country, barely more than one-fifth are immunized against it.

Vaccination in Austria Often a Cumbersome Process

People are not always made it easy to get vaccinated. "Currently, it is often the case that you first have to visit the doctor to get a prescription," said Maria Paulke-Korinek from the Department of Vaccination in the Ministry of Health: "With that, you go to the pharmacy to get the vaccine, and then at some point back to the doctor." There are "some discussions on how to make this simpler and more accessible."

Once the doctor and the person to be vaccinated agree that a vaccination is sensible, "the needle should actually be in the arm no later than two minutes later," said Weinberger: "If there are still three steps and two appointment arrangements in between, it is hopeless (to achieve a high vaccination rate, note)." Therefore, it would be "a very central point to remove such logistical hurdles," said the physician. This year's influenza vaccination is again available directly from the general practitioner, in vaccination centers, or from company doctors without detours via the pharmacy, and appointments should be made immediately, it was stated at a press conference organized by the Association of Vaccine Manufacturers (ÖVIH) on Tuesday.

Vaccinations also protect against long-term consequences

Vaccinations protect adults not only from acute infections like influenza and Covid but also from the far-reaching possible consequences, reported Weinberger. Especially in older people, there are subsequently increased hospital stays and deaths. "We also see an increased risk of delirium and that dementia sets in or worsens."

Heart attacks and strokes also occur more frequently during such illnesses or in the following weeks. In people with chronic diseases, such as those affecting the heart or lungs, the condition often worsens in the course of infections. "In about ten percent of those affected over 60 years, there is a dramatic loss of function, which for many makes the difference between living independently and needing care," she said: "This is, of course, very relevant for the individual people, but also for society and the healthcare system."

Covid still causes the most hospitalizations

"Currently, all resources are known to be scarce, and therefore one must really consider very carefully where to use them most effectively to avoid as many illnesses and deaths as possible," said Paulke-Korinek. According to model calculations conducted by the Ministry of Health with the Vienna University of Technology, the Medical University of Vienna, and Gesundheit Österreich, by far the most "benefit" (advantage) would be achieved through a vaccination against Covid. "This disease still causes the most hospitalizations," she explained: "These are still an extreme burden on the healthcare system and those affected."

The influenza vaccination ranks second: The "real flu" generates an extremely large disease burden in the working-age population, according to the expert: "By the way, it is currently vaccination season for both Covid and influenza." Thirdly, according to the study, many deaths can be avoided with immunizations against pneumococci, and fourthly, many sick days with shingles vaccinations. The expert meeting was organized by the international "Adult Immunization Board."

(APA/Red)

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