The corona pandemic dominates our everyday life – and will continue to do so for a while. In Germany, the number of illnesses continues to rise and social contacts are further restricted. Now it's not just about protecting yourself, but above all protecting the risk group. In this context, pneumococcal vaccination is reported time and again.
Corona virus: what does pneumococcal vaccination bring?
While this does not help against the corona virus itself, it can prevent the risk of complications. Pneumococci can cause pneumonia or sepsis. The Robert Koch Institute writes: "It is also plausible that pneumococcal vaccination can prevent bacterial superinfection by pneumococci in patients with COVID-19."
But who should really get vaccinated now? And what should you be aware of when considering vaccination? For this we have with Dr. Thomas Voshaar speaks, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Pneumological Clinics (VPK) and Chief Physician of the Lung Center at the Bethanien Hospital in Moers.
Who should get vaccinated – and how?
Should the risk group still be vaccinated against pneumococci now?
"There's a lot of discussion going on. My answer is: if you healthy now and you are one of them Risk group over 60 or have any underlying diseases: Yes, you should get vaccinated now, if you are healthy."
Here you can find out when you belong to the Corona risk group
But for that I have to see a doctor – does that make sense now?
"No, definitely not! No one, really no one should currently go to a doctor's office without making a phone call beforehand. If you call now and say who you are, how old you are and what underlying illnesses you have, you can agree something with your family doctor.
Some doctors then make office hours in the evening or say that I will come to see you. But no one should go to the clinic now, just because he wants to be vaccinated! Nobody should go to the family doctor if he does not really need him and if he needs him, then call in advance. Most general practitioners now also have separate consultation hours for those who already have any symptoms of infection – they are smart. "
Thank you for the interview, Dr. Voshaar! So: keep calm, call and get advice from your family doctor. They know your medical records best and know whether you need vaccination.
source used: Dr. Thomas Voshaar, RKI