Why vaccinations are also important for adults
Many people associate vaccinations primarily with childhood. In reality, however, the need for vaccination protection does not end with adulthood: the protection provided by some vaccines wanes over time, new risks may arise (for example through travel or occupation), and the risk of certain infectious diseases increases with age. The Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection publishes an annually updated Austrian Vaccination Schedule for adults, which contains specific recommendations for booster and catch-up vaccinations.
A regularly refreshed basic immunisation can help to prevent severe disease courses and also protect vulnerable people in your environment – such as infants, older adults or people with chronic conditions.
The Austrian vaccination schedule for adults at a glance
The vaccination schedule distinguishes between generally recommended vaccinations for all adults, indication-based vaccinations for certain risk groups, and travel- and occupation-related vaccinations. The following is an overview of the most important boosters.
Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio (four-in-one vaccination)
This combination vaccine is one of the key boosters in adulthood:
- Up to the age of 60: booster recommended every 10 years.
- From the age of 60: booster every 5 years, as the immune system responds less robustly to boosters with age.
- Pertussis (whooping cough): A booster is recommended particularly for people who have close contact with infants (e.g. parents, grandparents, healthcare staff). A pertussis vaccination is also provided for during pregnancy.
Tetanus and diphtheria can still be life-threatening today. Although polio is considered almost eradicated in Europe, it is still present in some regions of the world – continuous protection therefore remains advisable.
TBE vaccination: protection against tick-borne encephalitis
Austria is considered a high-risk area for tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). The disease, transmitted by ticks, can cause severe damage to the central nervous system. A TBE vaccination is therefore recommended for all people who spend time outdoors – effectively the entire population.
- Basic immunisation: three partial vaccinations.
- First booster: after 3 years.
- Further boosters: every 5 years up to the age of 60, and every 3 years thereafter.
Anyone who has missed the recommended booster appointment should arrange to top up their protection as soon as possible. In many cases, a single booster dose is sufficient to restore protection.
Influenza (seasonal flu)
The seasonal flu vaccination is recommended annually, as the circulating virus strains change. The following groups can particularly benefit:
- People aged 60 and over
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic conditions (heart, lung, diabetes, etc.)
- Healthcare workers
- People with frequent contact with at-risk groups
The vaccination is ideally given in autumn, before the start of the flu season.
Pneumococci
Pneumococci can cause pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. Vaccination is recommended in particular:
- From the age of 60 as a standard vaccination
- For people with certain pre-existing conditions (e.g. chronic lung or heart disease, immune deficiency)
Depending on the vaccine used, boosters or combined vaccination schemes are provided – the precise approach should be clarified with a doctor.
Herpes zoster (shingles)
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can be very painful. Vaccination is recommended:
- For all people aged 50 and over
- For at-risk patients from the age of 18
Usually, two partial vaccinations are given a few months apart.
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Full MMR protection is important in adulthood as well. Two documented vaccinations in a lifetime are recommended. Anyone who is unsure or has only received one vaccination should catch up on the second dose – this is possible at any age.
HPV (human papillomavirus)
HPV vaccination is primarily recommended in childhood and adolescence, but it can also be useful in adulthood. It can help to prevent certain cancers (e.g. cervical, anal or oropharyngeal cancer).
COVID-19
The recommendations for COVID-19 boosters are regularly adapted to the epidemiological situation. Up-to-date information can be found in the current Austrian Vaccination Schedule or obtained from your treating doctor.
Travel and indication-based vaccinations
Depending on the travel destination or occupation, additional vaccinations may be advisable, for example against:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Yellow fever
- Rabies
- Meningococci
- Japanese encephalitis
Travel medicine advice should ideally be sought several weeks before departure, as some vaccinations require several partial doses.
How to keep track of your vaccination status
To make sure no booster vaccination is forgotten, the following steps are helpful:
- Keep your vaccination record up to date: Have every vaccination documented – ideally also in the electronic vaccination record (e-Impfpass).
- Regular check-ups: Have your vaccination status reviewed every one to two years, for example as part of your preventive health check.
- Take personal risk factors into account: Age, occupation, chronic illnesses, pregnancy or planned travel can influence the need for additional vaccinations.
- Catching up is possible: Missed vaccinations usually do not have to be started again from scratch – often a single booster is enough. "Every vaccination counts" is a principle of the vaccination schedule.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, vaccines can also cause side effects. Local reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, pain) as well as a brief feeling of being unwell, tiredness or fever are common. These reactions usually subside on their own within a few days. Serious side effects are rare. If in doubt, medical advice should always be sought.
Conclusion
Comprehensive vaccination protection in adulthood makes a significant contribution to individual health and to protecting the community. The annually updated Austrian Vaccination Schedule for Adults provides well-founded guidance for necessary boosters – from tetanus to TBE and the flu vaccination. By having your vaccination record checked regularly, you can take targeted preventive action and reduce avoidable illnesses.
---
This article does not replace medical advice.