Covid-19
Adapted corona vaccine available from September 18th
The corona numbers are rising slightly. Vaccines adapted to new variants are expected to be available in medical practices and pharmacies from September 18th. photo
© Martin Schutt/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
A corona vaccine adapted to new variants has only been approved in the EU for a few days. Doctors and pharmacists are now preparing for an intensive vaccination campaign this fall.
After delivery from September 18th, they will be available to practices and pharmacies. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) had already named this day in August as the date for availability in practices.
A few days ago, a committee of experts from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) gave the green light for the approval of a further developed corona vaccine from Biontech/Pfizer in the EU. It is a preparation adapted to the omicron subline XBB.1.5. It should better protect against currently circulating variants.
Price said doctor’s offices and pharmacies are already preparing for an intensive vaccination campaign in the fall. Complicated scheduling is to be expected.
Medical Association President: Mask requirement not necessary
However, the President of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, is not concerned about the slightly increasing corona numbers. “The corona virus is a virus (…) with which we have developed a certain coexistence,” said on Deutschlandfunk. A mask requirement is currently not necessary. People could decide for themselves whether they want to wear a mask.
In autumn and winter, the number of respiratory diseases is constantly increasing, this applies to flu and RSV as well as to Corona. For medical practices and hospitals, it will certainly be exhausting again this year, said Reinhardt. With an acute respiratory disease, you should generally take a few days back and not go out with people, he recommends.