The Association of Pharmacists expects the new corona vaccine to start soon. According to a media report, delivery to pharmacies is scheduled to begin in September.
The head of the North Rhine Pharmacists’ Association, Thomas Preis, assumes that the new vaccine against Corona should be available in pharmacies from September. “We are already expecting the delivery of the first vaccine doses of the adapted corona vaccine in the course of September. BioNTech has already pre-produced the vaccine adapted to Omikron XBB.1.5 in large quantities. After approval, delivery to the pharmacies can begin immediately”, said price of the newspaper “Rheinische Post”.
This vaccine should work well against the currently widespread variants XBB.1.5 and EG.5. “Doctors’ practices and pharmacies are preparing for an intensive vaccination campaign in the fall.” It remained unclear whether the adapted vaccination is also effective against the youngest virus type called BA.2.86, which has so far been detected in Switzerland, Denmark, South Africa, Israel, Great Britain and the USA.
Vaccination should be easier
It should be easier for patients to get an appointment. “Vaccinating the new corona vaccines will be much easier for medical practices and pharmacies. BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax will offer the new adapted vaccine in single doses. This means that vaccination appointments in pharmacies and medical practices no longer have to be so tightly scheduled,” said Preis .
The bottles that have been used up to now, on the other hand, contain six or ten vaccinations and can only be used for a few hours after opening. “The best time for the corona booster vaccination is from the end of September, just like for the annual flu vaccination.” There will not be a combination vaccine for corona and influenza this year, but you can get both vaccinations at one appointment.
Ministry of Health: Currently no increased risk
Despite the increasing number of corona infections in Germany and some other countries, the federal government is relaxed. “The number of infections is at a low summer level,” said a spokesman for the Ministry of Health recently. “We share the assessment of the WHO and RKI that there is no increased risk for the population.” The level of protection is still high because of the many vaccinations and also previous corona infections.
The Ministry of Health recommends that members of risk groups get vaccinated according to the recommendations of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO) or consult their doctor.
The STIKO only recommends booster vaccinations for certain groups, preferably in autumn and similar to flu protection. These include people over 60, people with certain previous illnesses from the age of six months, nursing and health workers and relatives of risk patients.
At least twelve months should usually have passed since the last vaccination or infection. It is no longer recommended for healthy adults under 60 and pregnant women. The STIKO no longer recommends basic immunization and boosters for healthy infants, children and adolescents.