Just a little prick, and the body builds up defenses against serious and life-threatening diseases. After all, one third of all deaths worldwide are due to infectious diseases. But while vaccinations are usually carried out consistently in children thanks to extensive preventive programs, the willingness to vaccinate declines with increasing age. For older people, however, a preventive flu shot, for example, can be life-saving.
Vaccination is prevention
Marianne S. (33) wants to have a baby. She does not know whether she contracted rubella as a child – the disease sometimes runs almost without symptoms. Her gynecologist first makes an antibody test, because only a blood test shows whether Marianne S. is immune. The result proves it: No antibodies against rubella are detected in the blood. The doctor advises vaccination. About 15 percent of women of childbearing age have no protection against rubella. They should be vaccinated at least three months before becoming pregnant. This is because in case of infection during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, malformations occur in more than 50 to 90 percent, e.g. in the ears and heart of the unborn child. It is not uncommon for mental disabilities to occur as well. The situation is similar for chickenpox: Here, too, women planning to have a baby should get vaccinated.
Another example: Alfred H. is 82 years old and has a heart condition. In February, a wave of influenza sweeps across Germany. Alfred H. is infected and contracts a life-threatening case of pneumonia. He is hospitalized for several weeks, treated with high doses of antibiotics, and fortunately pulls through. But before the next winter, he has himself vaccinated against influenza. Older people in particular are more susceptible to infections such as flu (influenza) and its complications. About 80 percent of flu-related deaths occur in people over the age of 65, according to a study by the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI). The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends flu vaccination as an effective preventive measure.
