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Germany's Respiratory Infections Surge as STIKO Urges Autumn Vaccinations

An RKI estimate of 7.1 million cases last week prompts a push to protect older and high‑risk people through COVID‑19 boosters, flu shots, plus targeted RSV measures.

Die RSV-Impfung senkt das Risiko schwerer Verläufe – besonders bei Babys und Senioren.
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Overview

  • RKI estimates about 7.1 million acute respiratory infections in the past week, with COVID‑19 at roughly 500 cases per 100,000 and few severe cases reported so far.
  • Omicron lineage XFG (Stratus) made up about 82% of sequences from mid‑August to mid‑September, and RKI and WHO currently see no increased public‑health risk.
  • STIKO advises COVID‑19 booster doses and influenza vaccination this autumn for people aged 60 and older as well as adults with underlying conditions.
  • STIKO recommends a one‑time RSV vaccine for everyone 75 and over and for 60–74‑year‑olds with severe comorbidities, preferably before the October–March RSV season.
  • Newborns and infants are offered the monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for their first RSV season, and PCR testing is preferred when clinical decisions hinge on identifying the specific virus.