It's high time to get vaccinated!

Seasonal flu

The increase in flu cases in Poland is recorded from October to May, but the peak is from January to March. It usually takes about 2-3 weeks to produce immunity after vaccination, so it is worth getting vaccinated by the end of December.

Vaccination is recommended most for: the elderly, those with chronic cardiovascular disease, diabetics, the immunocompromised, children over 6 months of age, pregnant women, and school and preschool children. Immunization is also recommended for occupational groups such as health care workers, nursing home workers, teachers and public transportation drivers, and anyone in daily contact with others. Free vaccinations are available to: children from 6 months to 18 years, seniors 65 plus and pregnant women.

COVID-19

A new vaccine against COVID-19 has been available since October, and anyone over the age of 12 can be vaccinated. Vaccination is especially recommended for: immunocompromised people in whom COVID-19 may have a severe course, i.e.: people over 60. age; children, adolescents and adults with comorbidities, namely: obesity, diabetes, chronic lung disease, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, neurodevelopmental disorders, active cancer, immunosuppressive disease or immunosuppressive treatment; health care workers, especially those in direct contact with patients and infectious material.

To get vaccinated - there must be an interval of at least 3 months (90 days) since the last vaccination against COVID-19.

E-referral for vaccination applicants will find on their Internet Patient Account and in the myIKP app. They will receive them automatically. Then all that remains is to choose a vaccination center. You can also go to your family doctor.

Pertussis (free for pregnant women)

The number of cases of whooping cough is rising alarmingly. The reason, is not only the decline in interest in vaccinating children among their parents and caregivers (a result of the anti-vaccine movements), but also the extinction of immunity!

According to the current Polish Immunization Program, the first dose is given to children from the age of 2 months. A booster dose is mandatory for children at 6 and 14 years of age, and to maintain immunity against pertussis, booster vaccinations are also recommended at 19 years of age. To strengthen immunity, adults are recommended to receive booster doses every 10 years. Here, however, it should be noted that the vaccine is payable, except for pregnant women.

Pneumococcal - free pneumococcal vaccination in seniors

Pneumococcal vaccination is a key element in the prevention of pneumonia in seniors. It is the elderly who are at the highest risk of severe pneumonia and complications following infection. Getting the pneumococcal vaccine in seniors is a chance to avoid severe illness, the effects of which can have a negative impact on well-being during the next few weeks.

Infections don't like hygiene

Regardless of the type of virus or bacteria, hygiene is key!

PPOZ doctors remind us to wash our hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after returning home, cover our nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and ventilate our rooms. If you start to feel unwell - stay indoors! It can't hurt to wear a mask in the clinic, but also in public places, especially now, when there is a pre-Christmas frenzy in the stores. The human crowd is the "best" habitat for all kinds of germs!