Liveblog: Fourth vaccination could be necessary because of Omikron – time unclear

This ends the press conference with Health Minister Lauterbach, RKI boss Wieler and the head of the clinic for child and adolescent medicine at Cologne University Hospital, Dötsch. We will keep you informed about all vaccination issues star of course, still up to date. Thank you for your attention. Good day to you!

A journalist asks Lauterbach about the different Validity of vaccination certificates within the EU. Lauterbach speaks out in favor of one unification based on the latest scientific findings. That is already being discussed.

Pediatrician Dötsch currently does not recommend vaccinations for children under five years of age. There is no approved vaccine and the dose is also unknown. He therefore clearly advises against off-label vaccinations. He also advises doctors not to give such vaccinations in consultation with their parents.

A journalist asked Lauterbach if he also had one Inventory because of the controversial mask deals have made. Lauterbach replies that he has not yet taken an inventory.

A journalist wants to know from the Federal Minister of Health whether the January the month with the major vaccine shortages will. Whether there is enough vaccine available with the Moderna orders?
Lauterbach replies that he “fought to get the Moderna vaccine as soon as possible”. The vaccines bought from abroad are also brought to Germany by the Bundeswehr.

Question about the fourth vaccination: At the moment it is not clear whether and when this will be necessary. Not even in scientific studies. Omikron boosters only achieve 70 to 80 percent protection – right after the booster vaccination. So it could be that an Omicron-specific vaccination is necessary. The fabrics are already being worked on.

A journalist asks Professor Dötsch why he has another Recommendation for child vaccination gives as the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko).
Dötsch replies that his more general recommendation for vaccinating children is in line with that of the Stiko, since the Stiko also says that if the parents make the appropriate decision, all children can be vaccinated.

At the moment, despite the high demand, there are no buybacks of donated vaccine doses, according to Lauterbach. Tranches that would be produced would not arise from the registered demand.

A journalist wants to know from Wieler how important gene sequencing is to the Spread of Omicron to recognize. The RKI boss replies that enough laboratories are sequencing to know which coronaviruses are on the way in Germany.

Lauterbach explains that he wants to see the booster campaign from the “practical side”. He couldn’t show the doctors in an Excel spreadsheet that statistically they had enough vaccine. He wanted real material available. The booster campaign is currently the fastest in Europe – “by the way, also initiated by my predecessor”. This shouldn’t be compromised. If the pace can be maintained, the largest vaccination gaps could be closed as early as January. Omikron will spread quickly, so vaccinations in March are no longer relevant.

A journalist asks Lauterbach about general compulsory vaccination and what the Lack of vaccine for the plans. Lauterbach is “as a member of the Bundestag” convinced of the introduction of a general vaccination requirement. As a minister he tries, everyone Obtain vaccines, so in case of compulsory vaccination enough vaccine the egg.

Question about the effectiveness of Booster vaccinations. Lauterbach: Never be late. At Delta the protection increases very strongly. With Omikron, the effect increases to 70-80 percent. Definitely recommended for older vintages.

Lauterbach thanks expressly to the colleagues who carry out the corona vaccinations in practices and vaccination centers. “I know how much time and free time is invested there.”

A journalist would like to know from Professor Dötsch whether he hopes that experts and politics will work together Solution in terms of child vaccination come.
Dötsch does not want to report anything on the work of the expert committee, but is convinced that everyone wants and will find a good solution.

Lauterbach: Need 73 million booster cans. 50 million of these have not yet been set. In addition, there would be 20 million doses for first and second vaccinations. Too little and too slow for the planned campaign. It should always also be taken into account that there are failures and preferences for vaccines. Lauterbach wants to avoid rationing. There must be enough vaccine available at all times to be able to respond to all cases. He wants to achieve this.