Although autumn is just beginning and temperatures are still positive, it is worth thinking about preparing for the infectious season now. Autumn's cold weather encourages the spread of viruses and bacteria, which can lead to an increase in COVID-19, influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia. "We have a very high concentration of the virus causing COVID-19 in the wastewater. The amount corresponds to the highest increase in 2022." - alarms Paweł Grzesiowski, Chief Sanitary Inspector.[1] https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/7,54420,31346905,wzrost-zakazen-covid-19-pawel-grzesiowski-w-sciekach-najwyzszy.html
Weakened by colder weather, the body is more susceptible to infection, which is why it is so important to provide extra protection. Vaccination helps to avoid severe illness and also reduces the risk of complications.
Free vaccinations - what you need to know
Free vaccinations are available for at-risk individuals, children and seniors. The most commonly recommended vaccinations during the autumn period include:
COVID-19 - vaccination still relevant
There has been a recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases, with doctors ordering more than 4 000 diagnostic tests per day and a positivity rate of more than 45 per cent.[1] Medics stress that the infection season is not letting up and hospitals are already overcrowded. - "The situation is not made any easier by the fact that the symptoms of these infections can overlap, as we even diagnose several viruses simultaneously in some patients." - alarms Professor Krzysztof Simon.[2]
Vaccination against COVID-19 is particularly recommended for people planning to travel, staying in larger crowds of people, as well as for people at risk - seniors, immunocompromised and chronically ill people.
Summary
Autumn is the time to take care of your health with preventive vaccinations. Regardless of age, getting vaccinated against influenza, pneumococcal or COVID-19 can help prevent illness, its complications and the need for hospitalisation.
Free vaccinations are not only a protection for ourselves, but also for our loved ones, so take advantage of them to make the coming autumn and winter season safe and healthy for everyone.
[1] https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/7,54420,31346905,wzrost-zakazen-covid-19-pawel-grzesiowski-w-sciekach-najwyzszy.html
[2] https://portal.abczdrowie.pl/szpitale-sa-przepelnione-prof-simon-mowi-jak-atakuje-teraz-covid