It’s not “just a flu.” Flu is much more dangerous than a regular cold, especially for young kids, older people, & during pregnancy. The flu can kill over 50,000 people a year in the US in a bad year.
Why does a country like Germany not recommend flu vaccines for young healthy adults and children? I have a daughter who spent significant time in Germany, so know from personal experience.
Thanks for your question- I am in the UK so I know this context better than Germany, but this is likely related to cost/benefit calculus as far as public funding of health care and free coverage of the vaccines. So in the UK the NHS pays for free flu vaccines for kids under 18, people over age 65, pregnant women, and anyone under age 65 with a qualifying condition like asthma, or if you care for someone who is at higher risk. But everyone else can pay privately at a pharmacy (for only about $15), and is still encouraged to do so. But it is the official "recommendation" that is tied to qualifying for free publicly paid vaccines. Looking quickly on-line this looks similar in Germany.
Why does a country like Germany not recommend flu vaccines for young healthy adults and children? I have a daughter who spent significant time in Germany, so know from personal experience.
Thanks for your question- I am in the UK so I know this context better than Germany, but this is likely related to cost/benefit calculus as far as public funding of health care and free coverage of the vaccines. So in the UK the NHS pays for free flu vaccines for kids under 18, people over age 65, pregnant women, and anyone under age 65 with a qualifying condition like asthma, or if you care for someone who is at higher risk. But everyone else can pay privately at a pharmacy (for only about $15), and is still encouraged to do so. But it is the official "recommendation" that is tied to qualifying for free publicly paid vaccines. Looking quickly on-line this looks similar in Germany.