Rising instances of breast cancer call for immediate vaccination action, suggests health senator
In the face of the ongoing global health crisis and the approaching winter season, it's crucial for individuals to prioritise their health and follow vaccination recommendations to protect themselves against respiratory infections.
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) in Germany advises vaccination as a key preventive measure against a range of respiratory diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, pertussis (whooping cough), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
For older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and pregnant women, annual influenza vaccination is strongly recommended to reduce both infection and related complications, including cardiovascular events. Vaccination against pneumococci is also advised, as these bacteria can cause various diseases.
Vaccination primarily protects against severe illness and long-term effects (Long Covid) from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. As immunity decreases with age, it's particularly important for older people to get fully vaccinated.
In the case of COVID-19, updated vaccines targeting circulating variants are advised according to current public health recommendations. STIKO recommends a repeat COVID-19 booster vaccination for everyone over 60 and for all people aged six months and over with a pre-existing condition.
Pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination is primarily recommended for infants, pregnant women (to protect newborns), and close contacts. However, some recent data suggest a notable rate of vaccine failure against pertussis components, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and possible vaccine optimization.
For high-risk groups, including older adults and immunocompromised persons, Germany follows recommendations to vaccinate against RSV to reduce severe respiratory infections. Year-round surveillance of RSV and other respiratory viruses is maintained.
STIKO advises a booster vaccination for school-aged children, adolescents, and adults against pertussis to minimize transmission to unvaccinated and non-immune people. STIKO also recommends a single vaccination against RSV for people aged 75 and over in the fall.
In addition to vaccination, simple hygiene measures can help reduce the risk of infection. Keeping a safe distance from people with symptoms of an acute respiratory illness, wearing a mask, regular and thorough handwashing, using a tissue or coughing/sneezing into your elbow, and ventilating enclosed spaces regularly are all effective practices.
If you have symptoms of an acute respiratory infection, it's essential to stay home for three to five days and until symptoms improve. Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, advises all Bremen residents to get vaccinated. The flu season has officially begun in the first week of October, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
By following these recommendations, individuals can help protect themselves and others from respiratory infections, ensuring a healthier winter season for all. For personalized advice, individuals should consult their healthcare providers.
- Science plays a crucial role in developing vaccines that combat various respiratory diseases, including influenza, pneumococcal disease, COVID-19, pertussis, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus.
- In the face of chronic health conditions and approaching winter, science emphasizes the importance of prioritizing health and adhering to vaccination guidelines.
- Older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women are strongly advised to get an annual influenza vaccination, especially to mitigate potential cardiovascular events.
- Pneumococcal vaccination is also recommended, as these bacteria can lead to severe health issues.
- Vaccination primarily guards against severe illness and long-term effects from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
- As people's immunity decreases with age, it is important that older individuals receive complete vaccination.
- In light of COVID-19, updated vaccines targeting circulating variants are suggested under current public health guidelines.
- For those aged 60 and above, as well as for people aged six months and over with medical conditions, repeat booster vaccinations are advocated.
- Pertussis vaccination is primarily designed for infants, pregnant women, and close contacts, but recent data indicates a notable failure rate.
- For high-risk groups, including older adults and the immunocompromised, vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus is recommended to reduce severe respiratory infections.
- Continued monitoring of respiratory viruses like RSV is essential for effective disease management.
- Simple hygiene measures can decrease the risk of infection, such as maintaining distance from sick individuals, wearing masks, frequently washing hands, using tissues, and ventilating enclosed spaces.
- In cases of acute respiratory infection symptoms, staying home and isolating for at least three to five days is essential.
- Public figures, like Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women, and Consumer Protection, encourage Bremen residents to get vaccinated as the flu season begins.
- Fitness and exercise, along with adhering to vaccination recommendations, can further boost immune system function and overall health and wellness.
- According to the Robert Koch Institute, the flu season has already started from the first week of October.
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- By following multiple aspects of a healthy lifestyle, individuals can protect and improve their overall health, creating a brighter and healthier future for themselves and future generations.
