Austria's Covid Vaccine Of Choice: Which One?

The COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered in Austria include BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, Janssen (Johnson & Johnson), and Novavax (Nuvaxovid). The AstraZeneca vaccine is no longer available in the country.

The BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine is the most commonly used coronavirus vaccine in Austria. It is recommended for infants and toddlers between six months and four years of age, and for persons aged five and above.

The Moderna vaccine is recommended for persons aged 30 and above. It can be administered to persons under 30 upon their express request and in line with vaccine approval conditions.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is administered to persons aged 18 and above.

The Novavax (Nuvaxovid) vaccine is administered to persons aged 18 and above for basic immunisation.

The COVID-19 vaccine Valneva is used for persons between 18 and 50 years of age.

The VidPrevtyn Beta (Sanofi Pasteur MSD) vaccine is only administered to persons aged 18 and above for their third dose and/or further booster shots.

The Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for pregnant people

Pregnant people are at a higher risk of getting very sick from Covid-19 compared to those who are not pregnant. If infected with Covid-19 during pregnancy, there is an increased risk of complications that can affect both the pregnancy and the baby. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.

Covid-19 vaccination during pregnancy is safe and effective. Studies have shown that Covid-19 vaccines do not cause Covid-19, including in pregnant women or their babies. None of the Covid-19 vaccines contain a live virus, so they cannot make anyone sick with Covid-19. It is safe to receive an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) before and during pregnancy. Both vaccines show no increased risk for complications like miscarriage, preterm delivery, stillbirth, or birth defects.

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy builds antibodies that can help protect the baby. Receiving an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine during pregnancy can help protect babies younger than age 6 months from hospitalisation due to Covid-19. Most babies hospitalised with Covid-19 were born to pregnant women who were not vaccinated during pregnancy.

Additionally, Covid-19 vaccination is important for keeping pregnant people as healthy as possible during pregnancy, which is crucial for the health of the baby.

The vaccine is free of charge

The COVID-19 vaccine is free of charge in Austria. The vaccine is available to everyone with health insurance and those insured with KFA Wien, as well as their eligible dependents. The same applies to insurance with ÖGK, BVAEB, and SVS. If you do not have health insurance, your physician will invoice a vaccination fee. Your doctor can tell you about how much the fee will be.

The vaccine is also free for those without an e-card; your vaccination will be recorded in the yellow international vaccination certificate. You can also apply for an e-card for use of ELGA at the Austrian regional health insurance. A prerequisite for an e-card to be issued is that you have a recent photo available that meets the necessary requirements.

The AstraZeneca vaccine is currently no longer available in Austria. But you can switch to a different vaccine (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, or Jcovden (Janssen), or Valneva) at your appointment.

The vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of 5

In Austria, the COVID-19 vaccine is not recommended for children under the age of 5. This is because the disease often manifests more mildly in children, and the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and death is lower in this age group.

However, it is important to note that some children do experience severe COVID-19 and its related complications, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Additionally, the Omicron variant and its subvariants have resulted in increased hospitalisation rates among children under four.

While the benefits of vaccinating children under five may be considered less crucial than for other age groups, it is still essential to weigh the risks and benefits of vaccination for this vulnerable population. Here are some key considerations:

Vaccine Safety and Side Effects:

It is natural for parents to be concerned about the safety of any medical intervention for their children. COVID-19 vaccines, like any other vaccine, carry a small risk of side effects. These side effects are typically mild and self-limiting, including fever, fatigue, and aches, similar to other routine childhood vaccinations. However, rare cases of serious side effects have been reported, and long-term data on vaccine safety in young children is still limited.

Impact on Overall Health and Well-being:

The COVID-19 vaccine can provide protection against severe disease and reduce the risk of long-term effects, such as Long COVID. Vaccination can also help children maintain their overall health and well-being by lowering the risk of missing school, extracurricular activities, and social interactions due to COVID-19 infection.

Herd Immunity and Community Protection:

Vaccinating children under five can contribute to herd immunity and provide indirect protection to vulnerable individuals who cannot be vaccinated or are at higher risk of severe disease. This includes immunocompromised individuals, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy:

Vaccine hesitancy among parents of young children is a significant challenge. Common concerns include fears about side effects, distrust of the pharmaceutical industry or government, and the perception of restricted personal freedom. Addressing these concerns through education, dialogue, and the provision of accurate information from trusted sources is crucial to increasing vaccine acceptance.

Balancing Risks and Benefits:

The decision to vaccinate children under five should involve a careful consideration of the risks and benefits. While the immediate health benefits for this age group may be less pronounced, the potential long-term advantages, such as reducing the risk of Long COVID, should be factored in. Additionally, the indirect benefits of protecting others in the community should be weighed.

In conclusion, while the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently recommended for children under five in Austria, parents should stay informed about the latest developments and recommendations. Each family's decision should be respected, and those who choose to vaccinate their young children should have access to safe and effective vaccines, along with supportive resources to address any concerns or questions they may have.

The vaccine is not recommended for people with pre-existing conditions or a chronic disease of the immune system

The Covid-19 vaccines are generally considered safe, but there are some situations where it is not recommended for people to get the vaccine. This includes individuals with pre-existing conditions or a chronic disease of the immune system.

People with weakened immune systems due to pre-existing conditions or medications may still receive a Covid-19 vaccine, but information about the safety of the vaccines for these individuals is not yet available. Clinical trials have included people with HIV, but safety data for this group is not yet available. People with weakened immune systems should be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine and the need to continue following guidelines to protect themselves against Covid-19.

It is important to consult a doctor before getting vaccinated if one has pre-existing conditions or a chronic disease of the immune system. In some cases, individuals with pre-existing conditions may still be able to get vaccinated, but it is essential to first seek medical advice to ensure that the vaccine is safe and appropriate for their specific situation.

Additionally, individuals with certain allergies may also need to take extra precautions before getting vaccinated. While most people with milder allergies do not need to be concerned, those with known severe allergic reactions to specific ingredients in the vaccines, such as polyethylene glycol (found in the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines), should consult a healthcare professional before getting vaccinated.

Overall, while Covid-19 vaccines are considered safe for most people, those with pre-existing conditions or a chronic disease of the immune system should consult their doctor to ensure that it is safe for them to receive the vaccine and to discuss any potential risks or concerns.

The vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe for breastfeeding mothers

As of May 2021, health authorities have confirmed that it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, for example, has been deemed safe for breastfeeding mothers by experts.

Benefits of the vaccine for breastfeeding mothers

The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for all people aged 12 and older, including breastfeeding mothers. While clinical trials in the US did not include breastfeeding mothers, the vaccine has been proven to be safe and does not cause infection in either the mother or the baby. The vaccine also helps prevent COVID-19 among breastfeeding mothers.

How the vaccine works for breastfeeding mothers

Some studies have shown that breastfeeding mothers who have received the mRNA type of COVID-19 vaccine are able to produce antibodies that are passed through breast milk, which can provide a source of protection for the baby. However, more studies are needed to determine the extent to which these antibodies can provide immunity for the baby.

Tips for breastfeeding mothers considering the vaccine

• Get the available vaccine as soon as possible to protect against COVID-19. Any form or brand of the vaccine can provide protection against severe COVID-19 and stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that can be passed to the baby through breast milk.
• Continue to breastfeed even after vaccination. If you experience heaviness in the vaccine site, consider lying down or using a pillow to support your arm while breastfeeding.
• Eat plenty of immune-boosting and protein-rich foods such as chicken, pork, and fish to support antibody production.
• The vaccine will not only protect you but also your baby through your breast milk.

Frequently asked questions