Influenza wave occurrence is unpredictable – children are considered important vectors
Vienna (OTS) – There is at least one good news this winter pandemic: The feared wave of influenza parallel to the Covid-19 pandemic has not yet materialized. With emphasis on the word “so far”: Experts are not sure that it will stay that way, especially when the schools open again. Children are considered to be the engine of influenza, which is why the influenza vaccination for children was included in the free children’s vaccination program this winter and the group of those entitled has now even been expanded. Experts recommend that children who have not yet been vaccinated can and should still be vaccinated. This is particularly true if they can visit their grandparents, who are then vaccinated against Covid, again after the lockdown has ended.
Very low influenza case numbers – so far
Only a few proven cases of influenza had been registered in Europe by the end of 2020.[1] Hardly any cases have been detected in Austria either.[2] However, experts are not so sure whether it will stay that way. “It is quite the case that the hygiene measures against Covid-19 also prevent influenza,” explains Dr. Rudolf Schmitzberger, pediatrician in Vienna and head of the vaccination department of the Austrian Medical Association. And adds: “In addition, a particularly large number of people were vaccinated against influenza this season. However, we are still not doing well in an international comparison. ”However, he warned against declaring the influenza season as over. “Even in normal winters, the influenza wave sometimes occurs relatively late and then lasts into April
“, Said the vaccination officer.
Children as the drivers of influenza events
Children are particularly responsible for the spread of influenza.[3] “As long as the schools are closed, this is less the case,” says Schmitzberger. “We know that well enough from past experience. During the Christmas and semester break the infection rate often flattens out and as soon as school starts again, it rises steeply. ”If the schools were to reopen after the current lockdown, the influenza could still spread this year. “The vaccination is at least as important for kindergarten children as it is for school children, as two thirds of them are currently cared for outside of the home despite the lockdown
“, Says Schmitzberger and advocates using all available influenza vaccines for children. Influenza illnesses, in particular, can lead to severe courses and deaths. “Thanks to the nasal vaccine, which can be given to children from two years of age, protection against influenza in children is possible without a prick
“emphasizes the pediatrician.
Protect grandparents
Model calculations have also shown that child vaccination is very effective in slowing down or even preventing the spread of the disease in general.3 This is another reason to vaccinate as many children as possible now. In addition, Schmitzberger emphasizes that many children have probably not seen their grandparents for some time, and would certainly make up for this as soon as they were vaccinated against Covid-19. “So that the grandparents don’t get influenza instead of Covid-19, we have to vaccinate the children against influenza. Even if the grandparents are vaccinated against influenza. ”The motto“ Young protect old, old protect young ”still applies, even in the pandemic. Now would be a good time to vaccinate children who have not (yet) been vaccinated.
Two part vaccinations required
Children up to the age of 9 need two partial vaccinations at least four weeks apart (in the first year of vaccination). Overall, the free vaccination program is now available to all children and adolescents up to the age of 18. Schmitzberger: “Parents should therefore go to the vaccination with their children now, so that the protection is at least partially built up when the schools are opened and shortly afterwards.” Even very small children can be vaccinated, specifically from the age of six months. However, the nasal vaccine cannot yet be used here. “Influenza vaccination is particularly advisable for babies and small children who are cared for in community facilities,” emphasizes Schmitzberger. “You cannot rely on the corona measures to prevent the influenza season as well. Therefore: get your children vaccinated against influenza. Better safe than sorry. You cannot overinoculate. Incidentally, this also applies to adults who have not yet taken the influenza vaccination this season. “
[1] https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/publications-data/influenza-virus-characterisation-december-2020, last accessed on January 18, 2021
[2] https://www.ages.at/themen/krankheitserreger/grippe/, last accessed on January 18, 2021
[3] Austrian vaccination plan 2021
Inquiries & contact:
Mag.a Uta Müller-Carstanjen
Fine Facts Health Communication
Car: +43 664 515 30 40
Mueller-carstanjen@finefacts.at
Contact ÖVIH:
Mag. Bernhard Prager
Secretary General of the Austrian Association of Vaccine Manufacturers
Car: +43 664 801 85 5340
b.prager@oevih.at
www.oevih.at
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