The best protection against the flu is a vaccination. Vaccination is expressly recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) for people who are particularly at risk from flu: People over the age of 60, pregnant women and anyone suffering from an underlying illness.

Four protect more broadly than three

Four different virus subtypes have been circulating for several years. Which current variants of these four subtypes are to be used in the flu vaccines is determined each year by the WHO for the coming flu season. However, only antigens from three different influenza virus types are used in conventional flu vaccines.

Quadruple protection at your own expense

Statutory health insurance companies generally only reimburse the conventional vaccine with three components. Doctors can use the quadruple vaccine if a severe course of the disease is to be feared (with medical justification). People with statutory health insurance usually receive the conventional triple vaccine, but can pay for the broader quadruple protection themselves if they wish.

Further information on influenza and the vaccination recommendations for children, adults and travelers can be found at www.impfen.de.