Informace pro praktické lékaře, praktické lékaře pro děti a dorost a další vybrané odborné společnosti s blížícím se obdobím zvýšeného výskytu respiračních infekcí

Matyáš Fošum, Deputy Chief Public Health Officer of the Czech Republic, addressed general practitioners ahead of the upcoming season of respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal diseases. Vaccination remains a key preventive measure against severe disease courses and hospitalizations, particularly for at-risk groups. The initial shipments of the influenza vaccines Influvac and Efluelda have already arrived in the Czech Republic, with approximately 70% of pre-ordered volumes distributed to healthcare providers. The remaining pre-ordered doses of Influvac and Efluelda are scheduled for delivery in early October, while the Vaxigrip vaccine is expected to become available from early November. Physicians are advised to schedule vaccination appointments continuously based on their current stock and delivery schedules, as immunization does not need to be concentrated solely in early autumn. The optimal window for influenza vaccination is generally between October and December. The Czech Vaccinology Society recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older, with particular emphasis on high-risk individuals, and specifically advises the high-dose vaccine Efluelda for those aged 65 and over.