2023-11-09 16:30:29
/adipurnatama, stock.adobe.com
Dresden – The Saxon Vaccination Commission (SIKO) currently only recommends vaccination against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to pregnant women. The committee, whose assessments only apply to Saxony, gave this in one after evaluating the available data Position paper known.
The background is the approval of two vaccines in the European Union (EU). Both vaccines can be used in people aged 60 and over, and one is also approved for vaccinating pregnant women from the 24th to 36th week of pregnancy (week of pregnancy).
According to the SIKO, in view of the epidemiological effect, only vaccination during pregnancy can currently be recommended with sufficient certainty. This applies especially to pregnant women who are in the 32nd to 36th week of pregnancy between September and January. This is because the risk of an RSV infection is highest during this time. The vaccination results in a passive immune transfer of specific antibodies to the newborn.
From an epidemiological perspective, SIKO does not yet recommend vaccination of people in the age group of 60 years and over in the Free State of Saxony. However, the effectiveness of the available vaccine for the respective person has been proven. SIKO therefore recommends participatory decision-making (“shared decision making”) with those affected regarding an RSV vaccination.
The people who, in SIKO’s opinion, are likely to have the highest risk of a severe course of the RSV infection and could benefit from the vaccination include, for example, people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure or immune deficiency, for example after or due to a stem cell transplant a congenital/acquired immunodeficiency.
RSV infections, which occur worldwide in seasonal cycles, occur in all age groups. They mainly affect children, with most having been infected at least once up to the age of two.
Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection in the first two years of life, and RSV is the most commonly responsible etiological agent. Immunity against RSV is not long-lasting, so re-infections can occur; estimates are that up to 75 percent re-infections occur.
In adulthood, people with significant comorbidities (especially immunosuppression, but also chronic lung, heart and kidney diseases) as well as people in their senior years are particularly affected.
Statutory health insurance (GKV) does not currently cover the costs of the RSV vaccination. There is still no recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) and therefore no decision from the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) that would be necessary for the vaccination to be prescribed at the expense of the GKV. © aks/aerzteblatt.de
1699548976
#Saxon #Vaccination #Commission #recommends #RSV #vaccination #pregnant #women