More types covered

New vaccination should provide better protection against pneumococci

New vaccines will soon be available in Austria, for example against pneumococci for adults.

(Bild: Martin A. Jöchl/stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

New vaccines against meningococci, pneumococci and the chikungunya virus will soon be available in Austria. This was announced by Angelika Wagner from the Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine at MedUni Vienna.

The new pneumococcal vaccine is intended to protect adults and the elderly in particular. It has been under review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) since spring 2024. Until now, the same vaccines have been used for children and adults. However, not all pathogen types were covered - more than 60 percent in children up to the age of five and more than 70 percent in adults. The new vaccine contains eight additional types that have not yet been covered in adults.

In total, there are around one hundred serotypes of pneumococcus. In future, there will be a universal vaccine that protects against 24 to 31 types of the pathogen. 20 to 30 percent of pneumococcal pneumonia cases also show pathogens in the blood. Some patients develop chronic kidney failure, and failure of the central nervous system is also possible. Two thirds of cases lead to pneumonia.

The vaccine contains eight serotypes that are not currently included in any licensed vaccine and are associated with pneumococcal disease in adults.

Angelika Wagner, Tropenmedizinerin

Chikungunya: "The crooked walker"
In the case of meningococcal disease, a vaccine is coming onto the market that was approved by the EMA in September 2024 for people aged ten years and older. Previously two vaccinations were required, now it is one.

Travelers can also be protected against the chikungunya virus infection, which is transmitted by mosquitoes, especially in (sub)tropical regions. Last year, however, the infection was also transmitted in France and Italy. Translated, the name means "the one who walks bent", which is due to the fact that many patients have chronic joint problems, even after a year. Around half of those affected are fully recovered after one month.

This vaccine has been approved since July 2024. The Austrian vaccination plan recommends the jab for people who travel to affected regions and are over 18 years old. A vaccine that is intended to be more broadly effective is currently still in the approval process.