Rising cases of breast cancer lead Health Senator to advocate for prompt vaccination
In the face of the ongoing flu season and the persistent presence of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, German health authorities have issued comprehensive vaccination guidelines to help protect the population, particularly vulnerable groups.
Senator Bernhard, responsible for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection in Bremen, urges all residents to consult their family doctors for advice regarding vaccination. According to Bernhard, older people, whose immune systems weaken with age, are particularly at risk. Infections can become more severe, making full vaccination crucial for this demographic.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) has recommended annual influenza vaccination for risk groups such as older adults (60+ years) and people with chronic conditions. However, coverage remains below the World Health Organization's target of 75%, with only around 38% of those 60+ having been vaccinated in 2023/24.
Pneumococcal vaccines are recommended primarily for older adults and risk groups to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease. These vaccinations help reduce the burden of co-infections with respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 vaccination remains important to reduce severe disease and complications, including those involving co-infections with bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Vaccination strategies are adapted to emerging variants but are not detailed explicitly in the given results.
There are three available Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults in Germany, targeting people aged 60+ and those 50–59 with underlying diseases. The current German guidelines do not favour any specific vaccine. The recommended strategy prioritizes vaccination of people aged 60–74 with underlying diseases and all people aged 75 or more.
STIKO also recommends a booster vaccination against pertussis (whooping cough) not only for infants and young children but also for school-age children, adolescents, and adults to minimize transmission to unvaccinated and non-immune individuals.
The number of severe respiratory infections is at the same level as previous years, but there are already relatively many cases of colds, bronchitis, sore throats, and lung infections nationwide. The flu season has begun in the first week of October, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
In addition to these recommendations, the STIKO has made further vaccination recommendations, but the details of these recommendations were not specified in the provided paragraph. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for the most current and detailed information.
The STIKO vaccination calendar provides comprehensive guidance for respiratory vaccines covering all recommended age groups, with consultation recommended through family doctors or public health services. The overall goal is to reduce the risk of infection with respiratory infections and to protect vulnerable individuals from severe illness and long-term effects.
- Given the ongoing flu season and persisting SARS-CoV-2, it's crucial for older adults, especially those with chronic medical-conditions, to consider getting vaccinated against breast-cancer, as recommended by the STIKO, to decrease the risk of severe health-and-wellness issues.
- Apart from influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, there are also three Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines available for older adults in Germany, with the current guidelines prioritizing vaccination of people aged 60–74 with underlying diseases and all people aged 75 or more.
- It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for the latest information on additional vaccination recommendations from the STIKO, as some may be aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from potential co-infections, such as those involving Streptococcus pneumoniae, during this flu season.
