pandemic
Lauterbach urges fourth corona vaccination for everyone over 60
Karl Lauterbach (SPD) advocates a second booster – but not for everyone. Photo: Christoph Soeder/dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
The corona death rate among the elderly is at a high level. Health Minister Karl Lauterbach is promoting a fourth dose for those over 60. The EU states want to proceed in a uniform manner.
The EU states want to proceed uniformly with a possible fourth corona vaccination. The EU Commission will “work out a recommendation for the fourth vaccination within a very short time on the basis of scientific expertise,” said Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) on Tuesday after a meeting with his EU colleagues in Brussels.
The majority of the health ministers of the EU countries supported his proposal to align national vaccination strategies. The recommendation of the EU Commission could “also be an important compass for Germany for dealing with the second boost”.
Before the meeting, Lauterbach had promoted a fourth corona vaccination for everyone over the age of 60. “Current data from Israel show that anyone over the age of 60 or suffering from previous illnesses should be vaccinated a fourth time,” said the minister.
French Minister Olivier Véran said after the meeting that he hoped to have a coordinated, unified position on vulnerable populations as early as next week. A large number of countries have urged us to make progress together with a view to the second booster. A joint approach makes sense for health reasons, but also in terms of the trust of the European population. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said: “It is crucial that we have a common and timely strategy, especially for the coming winter.”