Health
Experience has shown that the most respiratory diseases caused by the so-called RSV viruses occur in February. The country refers to protective measures such as hygiene and vaccination. According to the state of Tyrol, there is a lot of catching up to do when it comes to vaccination against measles.
Runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat: many people in Tyrol are currently suffering from such symptoms. Recently, the number of infections caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has increased significantly, particularly among children and young people, according to a statement from the state of Tyrol. In Tyrol there are currently hardly any serious RSV infections in newborns and children under one year old.
RSV vaccination for newborns and young children
Classic hygiene measures and, above all, vaccinations help to protect against RSV viruses. According to the state, these are sufficiently available in Tyrol, as are those to protect against influenza, whooping cough, measles or pneumococcus. New to the federal, state and social security vaccination program and therefore free of charge are vaccinations against pneumococci and shingles for people aged 60 and over as well as an RSV passive vaccination for newborns and small children.
Especially with RSV you can clearly see how effective vaccinations are, says Tyrolean health director Theresa Geley. The high uptake with a vaccination rate of around 80 percent for infants is having an effect and protecting those who are most vulnerable.
High vaccination coverage is crucial
Vaccinations against respiratory and infectious diseases are particularly recommended for groups of people at risk who have an increased risk of severe disease, such as people aged 60 and over and chronically ill people, residents of old people’s and nursing homes, as well as pregnant women and infants. A high vaccination rate is crucial in order to protect those who cannot be vaccinated themselves, such as infants or people with weakened immune systems.
Gaps in measles vaccinations
The country sees a need to catch up when it comes to measles vaccination. Currently, the vaccination rate has fallen, especially for measles. In Tyrol there are vaccination gaps, particularly among people born between 1970 and 2000 and among children between two and five years of age.
Complete protection only exists after two vaccinations. In addition, people with just one vaccination could also be contagious. Geley appeals to check your vaccination status and discuss this with a doctor.
date: 2026-02-09 06:33:00
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