Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is in favor of a fourth vaccination for under 60-year-olds. This should be done in consultation with the family doctor responsible, he said to him mirror. “If someone wants to enjoy the summer and not take the risk of falling ill, then I would recommend vaccination to younger people in consultation with their family doctor,” he said. “Then you just have a completely different level of security.” The risk of Long Covid is significantly reduced for a few months, as is the risk of infection.
In view of a new wave of corona in Europe, the EU health authority ECDC and the EU medicines authority EMA announced just a few days ago that they thought it would make sense to give all people over the age of 60 and those who were previously ill a further booster vaccination against Covid-19 . These could be given at least four months after the previous vaccination.
In Germany, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) has so far only recommended the fourth vaccination to citizens over the age of 70 and people from risk groups. Lauterbach indicated that Stiko would follow suit with its recommendation and would also recommend vaccination for people aged 60 and over. “I’m pretty sure Stiko will do that too.” According to Lauterbach, a vaccine adapted to Omikron can still be taken after the fourth vaccination. He expects such a vaccine for the end of August or the beginning of September if the approval process goes very well.
The Federal Minister of Health expressed general criticism of the work of the Stiko. When asked whether the Commission needed a new boss, Lauterbach replied that one had to think about how to get more dynamic into the work of the Stiko.