“Influenza is not a harmless illness and can cause severe cases,” Wilke warned, particularly addressing older people. The report identifies people over 60, those with chronic illnesses and pregnant women from the second trimester as risk groups. It refers to vaccination against influenza, RSV, pneumococcal disease and COVID-19; individual indications depend on medical circumstances and current recommendations.
The report defines Brandenburg’s flu season as running from calendar week 40, which begins on Monday, through week 20 of the following year in May. Influenza vaccination coverage among residents over 60 fell from 65.1% in 2020/21 to 48.6% in 2024/25.