In Germany, more people are becoming infected with Corona again. Many people are understandably tired of vaccinations, says Gassen, head of statutory health insurance physicians. However, this is problematic for risk groups – experts advise them to have a combined vaccination.
In view of the increasing number of corona infections, doctors and clinic representatives are appealing to risk groups to get vaccinated again against Covid-19. “We have very low demand for vaccinations,” said Andreas Gassen, CEO of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, to “Welt am Sonntag”.
Because of the enormous public pressure in the past to get vaccinated against Corona, many people are understandably tired of vaccinations. “But this is problematic for risk groups,” warned Gassen. They should follow the vaccination recommendation in order to protect themselves – including against influenza. “Corona and flu should not be taken lightly, especially at the height of waves of infection like at the moment,” said Gassen, referring to a combined vaccination: “Left arm flu, right arm Corona.”
“Corona can still be a serious illness”
Markus Beier, chairman of the German Association of General Practitioners, told the newspaper: “It is always important to emphasize: Corona can still be a serious illness for particularly vulnerable groups without appropriate vaccination protection.” The same applies to the flu. “In a particularly severe flu season, tens of thousands of people die from this disease.”
The German Hospital Society (DKG) also advocated vaccinating risk groups. “This is the best protection against your own serious illness and against overloading the hospitals,” said DKG board chairman Gerald Gaß. The situation in the clinics is currently stable. “The number of corona patients is at a low level, even if the clinics are reporting more cases again with the start of the cold season.”
Some hospitals are making masks mandatory
As corona infections rise, more and more hospitals are requiring masks. At the University Hospital of Tübingen, for example, masks have been mandatory for visitors, outpatients and employees in direct patient contact for almost a week. The university clinic at the Marburg location also requires all patients and visitors to wear masks. In addition, the visiting options are limited: each patient can only be visited by one person for one hour per day.
Refresher after twelve months
The Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) recommends that people aged 60 and over, but also those with underlying illnesses, get a flu vaccination – annually from October to mid-December. According to STIKO, adults under 60 years of age usually have basic immunity against Covid-19 after two vaccinations and one illness or after three vaccinations.
For people aged 60 and over or those who are at risk of a severe course of Covid-19, the STIKO recommends further booster vaccinations twelve months after the last vaccination or illness – preferably in autumn. No Covid-19 vaccinations are currently necessary for healthy children and young people.