They should be immunized again at the earliest four months, ideally six months after the third bite, according to a paper by the committee. However, everyone else should not be denied a vaccination either.
Basis for the extension of the Green Passport
The recommendations are important insofar as they are not binding, but are generally adopted by politicians. The fact that a fourth vaccination is explicitly not recommended for people under 65 means the basis has been laid for the Minister of Health to extend the validity of the Green Passport to at least one year. Tens of thousands of these documents would have expired in the coming months.
The NIG states that, according to initial data in immunocompetent people, a fourth vaccination only leads to an improved protective effect against SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 disease temporarily and in the short term.
Video: Virologist Christina Nicolodi explains for which people a fourth CoV vaccination could be useful.
General recommendation probably in the fall
On personal request, however, the committee believes that a third booster vaccination can be administered no earlier than 4 months, but preferably only six months after the primary immunization, i.e. the third vaccination. People who wish to be vaccinated should “not be denied”. According to the current state of knowledge, a general recommendation for a fourth vaccination can only be expected before the next waves of infection are expected in late summer/autumn 2022.
Immunosuppressed or immunocompromised persons represent a special case, in which, for example, as a result of chemotherapy or a transplant, the vaccination does not provide sufficient protection. According to the NIG, they should be cared for according to their individual needs, regardless of age. The use of monoclonal antibodies as prophylaxis can be considered here.
Vaccination concerns
With its recommendations, the NIG also orients itself towards European bodies. The European Medicines Agency and the EU health authority ECDC did not recommend a fourth vaccination for everyone in the middle of last week. However, one could be administered to people over the age of 80.
Meanwhile, the doctors in private practice shared data protection concerns of ELGA GmbH, the operating company of the electronic health record, about vaccination. This considers the measure to be unfeasible and wants an examination by the data protection authority. In any case, the concerns must be taken seriously, emphasized Johannes Steinhart, Federal Curia Chairman of the resident doctors, in a broadcast on Tuesday.
Source: Nachrichten
