The willingness of Germans to be vaccinated against influenza was greater last autumn than it had been in years. The coronavirus pandemic is partly responsible for this. What positive effects this has and whether the flu vaccination is still worthwhile – you can read all about it at FITBOOK.
1.8 million Germans were vaccinated against influenza in September 2020 alone. This means an increase of 165 percent compared to the same period last year, and consequently significantly more flu vaccinations than in previous years, at least for the beginning of the autumn season.
More flu vaccinations than in previous years – and the trend is rising
There are also indications that significantly more influenza vaccinations were administered in the fourth quarter. This is explained by a spokesman for the Central Institute for the provision of statutory health insurance in Germany. Accordingly, a difference in the millions compared to the same period last year is conceivable.
Also interesting: Protection, timing, risks – the most important thing about flu vaccination
What the coronavirus has to do with it
The Paul Ehrlich Institute released significantly more vaccine doses against influenza for autumn 2020 than in previous years: 25 million. The main purpose of this was to avoid an additional burden on the healthcare system in the Corona crisis.
The flu vaccination does not protect against an infection with the corona virus. However, it can support a patient’s state of health to such an extent that he is not additionally weakened by the influenza in the event of a Covid 19 disease.
Expected wave of influenza didn’t happen
Normally, the flu is rampant, especially after the turn of the year. So far this winter, however, extremely low numbers of cases have been recorded. The particularly high vaccination rate and the rules on social distancing, hygiene and wearing masks, as well as contact restrictions, would have prevented the flu wave from occurring. This is explained by the Central Institute for Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.
Fewer respiratory diseases than ever
Meanwhile, the influenza working group at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) reported last week with regard to respiratory diseases from a «low level in the winter months that has never been reached before» since the start of the hard lockdown at the end of 2020. Influenza viruses were therefore included in the routine monitoring of random samples not found. This has otherwise been the case since 1997/98 at the latest from the first calendar week.
» Vaccination is still worthwhile now
While there were fears before the start of the season that the flu vaccine might not be enough this winter, some pharmacies are now at risk of being left with stocks.
The Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (ABDA) is therefore calling on risk groups in particular (people over 60, the chronically ill and pregnant women) to catch up on their flu vaccinations. That still makes sense in February.