Vaccination

Basic Information

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the most common causes of infections of both the upper and lower respiratory tracts. In infants during their first year of life, RSV is a frequent cause of hospitalization, as it is among the geriatric population.

Who Is RSV Vaccination Recommended For?

• Adults aged 75 and older

• Individuals over 18 with serious underlying medical conditions (following consultation with a physician)

• Pregnant women – between the 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy (passive immunization of the newborn)

As of November 1, 2026, RSV vaccines will be fully covered by public health insurance for selected high-risk groups:

• Seniors aged 65 and older with chronic lung disease

• Seniors aged 75 and older (regardless of whether they have a chronic medical condition)

• Pregnant women (recommended between the 24th and 36th weeks of pregnancy)

If you meet any of these criteria and are interested in vaccination, please contact us by phone or email.

If you do not meet the criteria for insurance coverage, the vaccination is available at your own expense (self-paying patient), at an estimated cost of €200.

Basic Information

Pneumococci, also known as Streptococcus pneumoniae, are bacteria that cause pneumococcal diseases, which are classified as invasive or non-invasive. Invasive diseases, such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and bacteremia (a bloodstream infection), occur when pneumococci invade normally sterile parts of the body. These conditions are serious and often require hospitalization, potentially resulting in death or permanent disability.

Risk Groups

Pneumococcal infections can affect anyone; however, the risk is higher among the following groups:

• Children under 5 years of age

• Patients with chronic medical conditions (e.g., sickle cell disease, HIV, diabetes, and heart, lung, kidney, or liver diseases)

• Adults aged 65 and older

• Smokers

Transmission

Pneumococci are transmitted through direct contact with saliva or respiratory secretions, for example, when sneezing or coughing. Many people carry pneumococci in their nose or throat without experiencing symptoms and may spread the bacteria. The reasons why not everyone who is exposed develops an infection are still being studied and are related to the immune system and the bacterial load.

Main Symptoms

Symptoms of pneumococcal diseases depend on the area of the body affected:

• Pneumococcal pneumonia: Fever, chills, cough, rapid or difficult breathing, and chest pain.

• Pneumococcal meningitis: Stiff neck, fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and confusion; in children, loss of appetite and vomiting may also occur.

• Pneumococcal bacteremia: Fever, chills, and fatigue. It can lead to sepsis, which may present with confusion, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and heavy sweating.

• Middle ear infections: Severe ear pain, a red and swollen eardrum, fever, and drowsiness.