Status: 05/22/2022 07:42 a.m
Children and young people made a particularly large solidarity contribution during the corona pandemic, says Medical President Reinhardt. It is therefore important to pay attention to open schools and daycare centers when planning for the fall.
The federal and state governments should plan the corona strategy for the fall in good time, demands Doctors President Klaus Reinhardt before the German Doctors’ Day in Bremen on Tuesday. It is particularly important to pay attention to children and young people, because they have endured protective measures like hardly any other group of the population.
“Time is of the essence,” said the head of the German Medical Association of the German Press Agency. “The next prime ministers’ conference on June 2nd must set the course for the safe operation of schools and daycare centers.”
Impact on children and young people
Children in particular have made a large solidarity contribution in the past two years. “We are obliged to give something back to the children now,” says Reinhardt.
The effects of the pandemic on children and young people are a key topic at the German Medical Association. Corona infections in young people were usually very mild, but the containment measures had serious consequences for children and young people. The medical profession points to social isolation, lack of exercise and domestic violence.
Reduce psychosocial consequences
Several studies have shown that psychological problems in young people increased and quality of life decreased. According to Reinhardt, the educational and development opportunities of an entire generation are at stake. Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach’s pandemic plan for autumn should not forget the children.
Together with experts, they want to develop strategies to reduce the psychosocial consequences. Schools and day-care centers have a decisive role to play, according to the medical president. “If you believe the promises made by politicians, everything should be done to prevent renewed widespread closures.”
Vaccinations still necessary
According to Reinhardt, the highest possible vaccination rate is still necessary in order to effectively contain the corona virus. The quota must be further increased and the need for vaccinations made even more understandable. Vaccinations are the most effective tool to protect yourself from severe courses and to return to normal.
“The previous vaccination campaigns were half-hearted and uninspired. There is still a lot of room for improvement,” said Reinhardt. “I would like to see a courageous, multimedia campaign from the Federal Center for Health Education that people can discuss in the subway or at the dinner table.”