Third spades against Corona: Preparations for booster vaccinations are underway

While BioNTech and Pfizer are seeking approval for a third dose of vaccine, Germany is preparing for a possible boost, according to the government. At the same time, the manufacturers are working on a special vaccine against Delta.

In Germany, the federal and state governments are preparing for possible booster vaccinations against Corona, according to the federal government. Chancellor Angela Merkel and Health Minister Jens Spahn have already spoken about this topic, said government spokesman Steffen Seibert. “Citizens can be sure that the federal and state governments are preparing for what needs to be prepared, namely that after an initial wave of immunization, the vaccine and vaccinations will be available and made available for refreshment,” he added.

When asked whether the Federal Ministry of Health would recommend a third vaccination after six months, a ministry spokesman said that the data situation was not yet sufficient. A booster vaccination will in all likelihood be necessary. “We are now waiting for the data to be submitted, and the Standing Vaccination Commission will make a recommendation accordingly.”

EMA and WHO: Insufficient data

In contrast, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) curbed expectations of possible booster vaccinations. The EMA said it was not yet clear whether more than the usually two vaccine doses per person would be needed. So far, the authority assumes that the current vaccination practice offers sufficient protection. There is not yet enough data to make a decision about booster vaccinations. The WHO also referred to insufficient data.

BioNTech / Pfizer want approval for third dose

The vaccine manufacturers BioNTech and Pfizer had previously announced with a view to data from Israel that they assumed a decrease in the protective effect of the joint coronavirus vaccine after six months. Based on the data available so far, it is likely “that a third dose will be required within six to twelve months of the full vaccination,” it said. The data showed that the protective effect against infections and symptomatic diseases decreased six months after the second vaccination.

The manufacturers therefore want to apply for approval for the administration of a third dose of their vaccine soon. According to the company, it is planned to submit corresponding data to the US FDA, the EMA and other regulatory authorities “in the coming weeks”. The first data from the study show that a third vaccination with the BioNTech vaccine increases the amount of antibodies by five to ten times. Details should soon be published in a scientific journal.

According to the information, the companies also expect that a third dose will reliably work against the highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus. BioNTech is also currently working on a vaccine specifically designed to protect against the Delta variant. The first samples are in production at a plant in Mainz. According to the manufacturer, the clinical studies could begin in August.