At the start of the flu season, Saxony's Health Minister Petra Köpping has called on people to get vaccinated. Last season, 202 people died from influenza, more than ever before, the Ministry of Health announced. "Influenza is not a harmless cold. We must not take this illness lightly. In order to protect ourselves, there is the possibility of an effective and well-tolerated vaccination," emphasized the SPD politician.
In Saxony, a flu vaccination is recommended as standard for all people from the seventh month of life, but people with a weak immune system are particularly advised to get it. According to the ministry, sufficient vaccine is available in Saxony.
However, the vaccination rate has fallen steadily in recent years: according to the ministry, the flu vaccination rate in Saxony averaged around 20 percent at the end of last year. In the 60+ age group, the European Union's vaccination target is 75 percent. This was not achieved in Saxony, it said. In the Free State, the vaccination rate for 60 to 69-year-olds was most recently 28.2 percent, and just under 45 percent for 70 to 79-year-olds.
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