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Alpha1 Germany eV.
Everything you need to know about autumn, summarized for you!
Autumn time,
After a very busy year so far, we would like to use the days when you might prefer to stay indoors to provide you with new information.
With this newsletter, we would like to start the month of November, which is also "Alpha-1 Awareness Month", the month that is used worldwide to raise awareness of the disease!
In the coming weeks, we would like to launch a newsletter series reporting on new developments in research, naturally always combined with everyday tips and upcoming dates.
But today we're talking about the important things that make autumn special – no, unfortunately not about autumn leaves, pumpkin soup, or cozy tea times…
1. Influenza (Flu):
Annual vaccinations are recommended for all individuals aged 60 and over. They are also recommended for individuals with an increased risk of severe illness due to chronic conditions, such as respiratory, cardiovascular, or circulatory diseases. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one such chronic condition. Furthermore, vaccination is recommended for residents of nursing or care homes. Individuals who work in households, as medical personnel, or in public-facing environments, and thus represent a potential source of infection for at-risk patients, are also advised to receive the annual influenza vaccination.
2. Pneumococci (pneumonia):
A pneumococcal vaccine (PCV 20) has been available since the beginning of 2022. We recommend vaccination for all individuals aged 60 and over, as well as for those aged 18 and over with risk factors (such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency) that can lead to severe pneumococcal disease.
For adults who have already received a vaccination with PPSV23 or sequentially (PCV13 or PCV15 + PPSV23), we recommend a vaccination with PCV20 after a 6-year interval. For individuals aged 18 and older, vaccination with PCV20 after a 1-year interval is recommended if risk factors for severe pneumococcal disease are present and their sequential vaccination series has already begun with PCV13 but has not yet been completed with PPSV23.
3. COVID (SARS-CoV-2):
We recommend a primary immunization series of two vaccine doses administered at least three weeks apart. For individuals aged 60 and over with underlying health conditions that put them at increased risk of severe illness, booster vaccinations are recommended. This also applies particularly to those infected with the Alpha-1 virus. Booster vaccinations should be administered at least six months apart. Variant-adapted vaccines should generally be given at least 12 months after the last vaccination or infection. Vaccination should preferably take place in the autumn, as infection rates are expected to rise during the autumn and winter months.
4. RSV:
A single RSV vaccination is recommended as a standard vaccination for all individuals over 75 years of age, ideally before the start of the RSV season (preferably in September/early October). A single RSV vaccination is recommended as an indicated vaccination for individuals aged 60 to 74 years with severe forms of certain underlying diseases (e.g., low alpha-1 antitrypsin levels and a high symptom burden) or for residents of nursing homes. These underlying diseases include severe forms of chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, and renal diseases, neurological and neuromuscular disorders, hematological and oncological diseases, diabetes mellitus with complications, and congenital or acquired immunodeficiency. According to current knowledge, mild or well-controlled forms of these diseases do not require vaccination.
Since August 2024, three RSV vaccines have been approved in the EU: Arexvy (for ages 60 and up), Abreysvo (also for pregnant women), and mResvia (mRNA vaccine). Reimbursement can be requested from your health insurance provider.
According to current data, RSV vaccination is a one-time vaccination and does not need to be repeated annually. Whether booster vaccinations are necessary is currently unclear. The STIKO (Standing Committee on Vaccination) will continue to carefully review the data and adjust its recommendations if necessary.
The video, recorded with Dr. Kardos, also reflects the current status of RSV vaccination.
Whether it's a cold, bronchiectasis, or the effects of Covid-19, many people are familiar with the problem of struggling with mucus in the body, and especially in the lungs.
Our lung exercise trainer Peter Kukry (Peddar), himself also an Alpha-1 patient, therefore got to work and recorded the following video for us. He is supported in this by Dr. Heike Isensee, herself an active participant in the pulmonary exercise program and group leader of the Stuttgart self-help group. The entire program is complemented by the expert advice of Dr. Alexander Rupp, a pulmonology practice in the center of Stuttgart.
Sometimes simple techniques and exercises can make everyday life significantly easier, try them out!
On November 5 For the first time, there will be a full-day European Alpha-1 patient conference!
Even though the webinar will be held in English, this is no obstacle, as German subtitles will be provided. The patient conference was developed in collaboration with the Alpha-1 Europe Alliance, the European Lung Foundation (ELF), and the European Alpha-1 Research Collaboration (EARCO), and will contain a wealth of information and patient experiences.
You can find the program here.
The event is divided into four sections, each addressing different areas:
- The basics of Alpha-1 (AATD)
- Living with Alpha-1
- The latest research + patient participation in clinical trials
- Treatment and therapy options
You can find all events up to the end of 2024 on our event overview page. Take a look, perhaps something will interest you!
