As with the first time, it will start in the nursing homes and with risk groups as soon as the experts recommend it and the approval is given at European level, say Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (ÖVP) and Health Minister Wolfgang Mückstein (Greens).
Kurz and Mückstein expect “new scientific knowledge about the need for a third vaccination” as they said in a statement on Friday. Therefore, the preparations are already being made with the state vaccination coordinators. “The top priority is the protection of the elderly and the vulnerable groups. We therefore expect the EMA to be informed quickly about the need for a third vaccination against the coronavirus Recommendation can start with the third vaccination. I will also ask Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that this issue should be given priority at European level, “said Chancellor Kurz.
“On the basis of the current data situation, we assume that a booster vaccination will be necessary after nine months at the earliest. The National Vaccination Committee is constantly monitoring developments. At the moment, however, it is particularly important that as many people as possible complete their vaccination protection – This is the only way to protect them from Delta in the best possible way. At the same time, we are in any case prepared for the third vaccination, “explained Mückstein. The federal government also wants to exchange ideas with those countries in which the third vaccination is already in progress or in planning, such as Israel or Germany.
Support in tackling the planning and preparations for the third stitch together with the federal states came from the Tyrolean governor and current chairman of the governor’s conference, Günther Platter (ÖVP). “In order to be able to finally defeat the corona pandemic, it is important that the protective effect of the vaccination is permanently maintained. To guarantee this, according to medical experts, a booster vaccination will be needed in good time. I think it makes sense to repeat this third bite to start with the vulnerable groups, “said Platter. He also asked the EMA to quickly clarify the questions that were still open.
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Appeal to young people
The infection rate has remained unchanged for weeks: 70 percent of new infections affect people under 35, less than five percent over 65. “The vaccine works and protects against the virus and its variants. It is up to each individual to accept the offer and get vaccinated. I especially ask the young people in the country to go and get your vaccination. The first half The summer is over, we can enjoy the freedom and normalcy again over wide areas, apart from a few restrictions. If we want it to continue in autumn and winter, then I appeal especially to the young people in the country: Do not underestimate the virus, seven out of ten new infections affect you young. Please get vaccinated, “Kurz appealed once more to the young people.
“Our primary goal must be to further increase the rate of vaccination. That is why I renew my urgent appeal: Please get vaccinated and complete your vaccination protection. This appeal is aimed primarily at young people. The Covid19 vaccination is not only our only way out of the pandemic, it also protects over 90 percent from infection – and thus also from Long Covid. This disease should not be underestimated, it will still place great demands on our health system. 10 to 14 percent of those infected will suffer for months later on the sometimes life-changing consequences of a corona disease – women and younger people are predominantly affected. Don’t risk anything, get vaccinated, “said Health Minister Mückstein.
For the further success in the fight against the pandemic, it is now above all a sufficient vaccination of the boys and the vaccination protection of the older and vulnerable groups. At the moment, the scientific data are not yet conclusive enough to generally recommend a third vaccination – before the nine months after the second stitch. First of all, the necessary scientific evidence is needed to determine the further course of action in detail. Sufficient vaccine is available. If the situation changes, it will be possible to start quickly, emphasize the Federal Chancellor and Minister of Health.
