Vaccines Not Available: "Stalemate" in Free Vaccination Program

According to the Austrian Medical Association (ÖÄK), there is currently a shortage of doses for free adult vaccinations. "Flu vaccines are currently not available in the order shop, and the vaccines against pneumococcal and shingles are currently not available in the outpatient sector," ÖÄK Vice President Edgar Wutscher described the problems with the ordering process for doctors on Sunday. This year's free vaccination program has "unfortunately come to a standstill," he emphasized.

Medical Association Criticizes Lack of Availability of Free Vaccines

The reason is quite simple: "Only as many vaccine doses can be administered as were purchased. The federal government has simply purchased or budgeted too few vaccines," said Wutscher. In addition, the order shop for the vaccines is extremely unstable and continues to cause great frustration and additional burden in the practices.

Coordination with Ministry and ÖGK

The ÖÄK is in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and the Austrian Health Insurance Fund (ÖGK) to improve ordering and delivery logistics, it was emphasized in the release. "For the vaccinations against pneumococcal and shingles, everyone who received too little delivery quantity or, in extreme cases, no delivery at all, must be given priority in the reallocation promised for early January," demanded Rudolf Schmitzberger, head of the ÖÄK vaccination department. This is important for planning security, which is particularly essential for the shingles vaccination consisting of two doses.

High Demand for Shingles and Pneumococcal Vaccinations

The Ministry of Health reported a high demand for the new free vaccinations against shingles (Herpes Zoster) and pneumococcal at the beginning of November. It was announced at the time that a further 70,000 doses of shingles and 25,000 doses of pneumococcal vaccines would be provided during the month. Another large supply is expected in January.

(APA/Red)

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