The turquoise-green government is assuming this and is starting appropriate preparations.
According to Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (VP) and Health Minister Wolfgang Mckstein (Grne), the start will be made as soon as the first time in the nursing homes and with risk groups, as soon as the experts recommend it and the approval has been given at European level.
Kurz and Mckstein expect “new scientific knowledge about the need for a third vaccination” as they said on Friday. Therefore, the preparations are already being made with the state vaccination coordinators. “The top priority is the protection of the elderly and vulnerable groups.”
Support comes from Tyrol’s governor Gnther Platter (VP), currently chairman of the governor’s conference: “In order to be able to defeat the pandemic, it is important that the protective effect of the vaccination is maintained over the long term.”
Meanwhile, the discussion of restrictions on non-vaccinated people continues. Chancellor Kurz is initially bothered by requests (“Especially young people, I ask, go and get your vaccination”).
Upper Austria’s medical association president Peter Niedermoser is in favor of more advanced measures and wants an “open discussion” as to whether access to certain areas of public life should only be allowed for those who have been vaccinated and those who have recovered. A number of low-threshold offers were made in the state, but these hardly increased the motivation to vaccinate. Even if vaccination is “a personal decision”, it has “effects on society as a whole,” which is why the rate must rise, says Niedermoser. To do this, restrictions on access to non-vaccinated people should be debated. He referred to Germany, where access restrictions for discos, stadiums or theaters are being considered.
New certificate for those who have recovered
One innovation is already fixed: for those who have recovered who – as recommended – have been vaccinated once, there has also been a special vaccination certificate since yesterday. In the “Green Passport” system, your vaccination is now recorded as one of one.
They are therefore considered fully immunized, even if they have been vaccinated with a vaccine that would actually require two doses of the vaccine.
So far, in such a case, the vaccination certificate also stated “one of two” for those who have recovered. This could give the impression that there was no vaccination.
SP leader Pamela Rendi-Wagner also spoke up yesterday. She calls for the introduction of the 3G rule in the workplace. The aim is to protect workers from infection and to increase vaccination rates. In addition, creative solutions are needed to increase the vaccination rate – for example through a lottery or bonuses for employees of large companies. (chk)
