Measles, mumps or rubella are often dismissed as harmless childhood diseases, but they are anything but that and can lead to dangerous complications and serious secondary diseases. Vaccination is one of the most effective protective measures – experts recommend two doses. Missing vaccinations can be made up for at any age, and a booster vaccination for seniors is also advisable.
Health Minister Christine Haberlander drew attention to this together with experts at a press conference on the occasion of European Vaccination Week. Upper Austria is also involved in the campaign, with the Red Cross and the Chamber of Physicians and Pharmacists acting as partners.
From April 24th to 30th, the MMR vaccination is free and possible without registration in the country’s Covid-19 vaccination routes. In addition, free MMR vaccinations will also be permanently available in private practice from this point in time. The urgent advice of the experts: check the vaccination card – gladly with the help of your family doctor or in the pharmacy – and make up for missing MMR vaccinations immediately. Even if the number of measles infections fell sharply during the pandemic due to the contact restrictions, we should not feel safe, says Haberlander.
Medical Association boss Peter Niedermoser also appealed to the people of Upper Austria: “Unfortunately, the topic of vaccination is not sexy and cool at the moment – but it is much less an illness. You have to be aware: measles is a serious infectious disease, which in the worst case can also lead to can lead to death.” (had)
Source: Nachrichten
