What should you be vaccinated against this fall?

1. When should you get vaccinated against COVID-19?

“Now is exactly the right time for it, and we should not wait any longer,” says Monika Redelberger-Fritz, a virologist at the Medical University of Vienna and a member of the National Vaccination Committee. System for monitoring doctors in private practice Area and wastewater data from wastewater treatment plants show that Austria is at the beginning of the autumn wave. Sars-Cov-2 is currently dominant, and rhinoviruses that cause the common cold are also prevalent.

2. The vaccine from the pharmaceutical company Biontech, which is currently available in Austria, is specifically designed for the Omicron JN.1 variant. Is this still the dominant alternative in Austria?

The Omicron KP.3 variant is currently mainly circulated in this country. Because it is closely related to JN.1, vaccination provides good protection. This also applies to the XEC model currently deployed in Germany.

3. What symptoms does the KP3 variant cause?

There are the usual Covid symptoms: nasopharyngitis, often diarrhea and nausea, and even severe pneumonia. “KP.3 is no less dangerous than previous variants. The spectrum runs from very mild to very severe,” says virologist Monika Riedelberger-Fritz.

4. How often should you get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Ideally once a year at the beginning of the first wave of autumn. After contracting the Coronavirus, you must wait six months before getting vaccinated.

5. Should only at-risk groups and the elderly be vaccinated or should everyone?

Vaccination is highly recommended for at-risk groups and people over 60 years of age – for the rest of the population, vaccination protects against severe disease, and in the first 12 to 16 weeks it also protects by 50 to 60 percent against infection. No one should delay vaccination, as there are enough vaccines available.

6. When should you get the flu vaccination?

In recent years, the following viral sequence has been identified: The fall season begins with Sars-Cov-2, before being replaced a few weeks later by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whose symptoms are similar to influenza. “If possible, everyone should get vaccinated against influenza at the end of October,” says virologist Redelberger-Fritz. Since this year, influenza vaccination has been free for everyone living in Austria. At-risk groups and people over 60 years of age should also be immunized against respiratory syncytial virus.

7. How compatible is the influenza vaccine available this year with the strains currently circulating?

Since influenza viruses currently have little or no circulation, it is not yet possible to make a meaningful comparison with vaccines. However, vaccination is definitely recommended.

8. This year there are a large number of cases of whooping cough caused by bacteria. Should you also get vaccinated against it?

Previously, it was necessary to renew the pertussis vaccination (given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus) every ten years. On 1 October 2024, the National Vaccination Plan was revised: it is now recommended to update every five years. It is highly recommended to take a look at the vaccination certificate.

9. Who should get the pneumococcal vaccination?

The bacterial disease can cause, among others, pneumonia, middle ear infections, and meningitis. Infants, young children, those with chronic diseases, and people over 60 are particularly at risk. Vaccination is included in the free vaccination program until the age of two and consists of three vaccinations. According to the national vaccination plan, adults receive two different vaccines one year apart.

10. Can you get vaccinated even if you have a cold?

If you have mild cold symptoms, vaccination is not a problem. If you have a fever over 38.5 degrees, you should postpone the injection because the vaccination cannot have its full effect.