The flu vaccination is particularly important because of Corona: without adequate immunization, there could otherwise be two waves of illness.
In the previous year, including from the end of 2020, there were virtually no cases of flu. The lockdown and other corona measures prevented the flu practically at the same time. The disadvantage: large parts of the population are therefore not likely to be particularly well immunized. Although the vaccination quota was pretty good last year at around twelve percent, experts fear a possibly particularly strong flu epidemic this year. Doctors hope that most people who die will continue to follow Corona measures – such as keeping your distance and wearing a mask and also getting vaccinated against the flu.

You have to pay for the vaccine yourself

Originally there should be a uniform Austria-wide plan for the vaccination campaign, but it has only been clear since the end of August: every federal state vaccinates differently. What is particularly new is that those who want to vaccinate have to pay for the vaccine themselves, only the administration of the injection will be free for older and high-risk patients. There are also vaccination campaigns for teachers, children and in old people’s homes. In any case, there will be sufficient vaccine, expects the responsible state health officer Christian Stöckl. If the existing doses are not enough, more vaccine can be ordered from the Federal Procurement Agency at any time, says Stöckl.