Start of Free Vaccinations Against Shingles and Pneumococci

The current free vaccination program for adults, which includes vaccinations against influenza, Covid-19, and HPV, will be expanded as announced, said Health Minister Korinna Schumann (SPÖ) on Friday afternoon at a press conference. The vaccines against shingles and pneumococci will be available directly from doctors.

Free Vaccinations Against Shingles and Pneumococci Medically Sensible and Economically Efficient

The vaccination against shingles protects against a reactivation of chickenpox, explained Schumann. It prevents chronic pain and helps reduce sick days and relieve the healthcare system. The pneumococcal vaccination is about preventing bacterial pneumonia with high mortality in severe cases. "So vaccinations are medically sensible and economically efficient, and every euro we invest here saves high follow-up costs," said Schumann.

In the five years of the current financial equalization, 450 million euros are available for vaccinations, reminded ÖGK Chairman Andreas Huss. The provision of immunizations in the free vaccination program is thus secured until the end of 2028. The vaccinations would "save significantly more" in healthcare costs than they cost, Huss also emphasized.

175,000 Vaccination Willing Expected in First Years

Regarding the question of expected vaccination rates, the introduction in Germany was observed. We expect 175,000 people to get vaccinated in the first year, both for the herpes zoster vaccination and the pneumococcal vaccination, "in the second year again in this magnitude and then it will probably decrease," explained the ÖGK chairman. The vaccinations must be mandatorily entered into the e-vaccination pass by the doctor.

The herpes zoster vaccination is "very expensive" at a total of around 500 euros for two doses, reported Huss. The one against pneumococci costs 80 to over 100 euros. "We provide these free of charge." In the further expansion of the free vaccination program - for example, according to the approval against herpes zoster from 50 years - there are "limiting factors" such as money, according to Huss. For shingles and pneumococci, the recommendations of the National Vaccination Committee (NIG) were used. The goal is to offer all vaccinations recommended by the NIG free of charge in the future.

Need for Improvement in Prevention

The current expansion of the free vaccination program "is truly a milestone," said Styrian Health Councilor Karlheinz Kornhäusl (ÖVP) as the third party to the agreement between the federal government, states, and social insurance. In the treatment of diseases, Austria is doing well, said the chairman of the state health councils at the press conference. There is still a need for improvement in the "aspect of prevention and precaution." Vaccinations not only prevent deaths but also "an incredible amount of human suffering, pain, and lengthy disease courses," which he himself has witnessed as a doctor.

The Pensioners' Association (PVÖ) and the Senior Citizens' Association expressed their delight in announcements about the vaccinations against shingles and pneumococci, which are available free of charge for all people over 60. The Vienna Medical Association also welcomed the change valid from November. However, this should "not distract from the fact that many important vaccinations as part of the public vaccination program are still missing," emphasized their vice president Naghme Kamaleyan-Schmied. These include, in addition to the quadruple vaccination Pertussis/Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio for all adults, the RSV vaccination for pregnant women as well as for the elderly population and at-risk patients.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.