Vaccinations are the most effective prevention against infectious diseases and offer long-term protection against serious illnesses.
Vaccinations are more than just a tool to combat pandemics or seasonal virus outbreaks. They can now protect people from almost 30 infectious diseases and even some related cancers.
Mag. Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG
Vienna (OTS) – On the occasion of Austrian Vaccination Day taking place on January 20th and the still intensive infection situation in the country, Alexander Herzog, Secretary General of PHARMIG, once again points out the importance of vaccinations as a preventive health measure: “Vaccinations are more than just a tool to combat pandemics or seasonal virus outbreaks. They can now protect people from almost 30 infectious diseases and even some related cancers.
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New vaccines are constantly being developed or vaccines are adapted to changing conditions – be it, for example, specific adaptations to the immune system of older people or adaptations that are necessary due to changes in a virus. “In Austria we really have very good conditions to enable the population to receive vaccination protection based on the latest scientific knowledge. It is unfortunate that so many people, especially in Austria, forego these benefits of disease prevention or refrain from using them due to misinformation, for example on the Internet.” In this context, Herzog welcomes the fact that Austrian Vaccination Day is once again focusing on the topic of communication.
Although the coronavirus pandemic has been declared over, COVID-19 remains a serious health threat. SARS-CoV-2 has established itself as a very contagious virus. On the other hand, there are several vaccines that protect against severe disease and that should particularly be used by people over 75 years of age or younger people who suffer from other illnesses or have a weak immune system. Unfortunately, this happens far too rarely and is also the case with other viral diseases.
Herzog sums up: “In Austria, our vaccination rates against influenza have been well below the WHO targets for years. There is also widespread vaccination fatigue with Corona. And all this despite vaccinations being proven to protect. Especially when the immune system weakens in old age and chronic illnesses are present. Additional health risks can be minimized with a vaccination. The quality of life can be increased, and ultimately vaccinations also help to reduce the burden on basic medical care. But they can only do all of this if they are applied.”
About PHARMIG: PHARMIG is the voluntary interest group of the Austrian pharmaceutical industry. The association currently has around 120 members (as of January 2024), who cover a good 95 percent of the medication market. PHARMIG and its member companies stand for the best possible security of supply of medicines in the healthcare system and ensure social and medical progress through quality and innovation.
Questions & Contact:
PHARMIG – Association of the Austrian Pharmaceutical Industry
Peter Richter, BA MA MBA
Head of Communications & PR
+43 664 8860 5264
peter.richter@pharmig.at
www.pharmig.at