Friday 5th November 2021
Update
Health ministers meet
Booster vaccinations are “in principle” possible for everyone
Should only certain groups or all people get a third corona vaccination? The health ministers agree on this issue. Even if there was previously criticism from doctors’ representatives.
In view of the worsening corona situation, the federal and state health ministers have spoken out in favor of booster vaccinations for all age groups. The ministers are of the opinion that “in principle” so-called booster vaccinations after six months “should be possible for everyone,” said Bavaria’s Health Minister Klaus Holetschek from the CSU after two days of deliberations in Lindau, Bavaria.
Especially the elderly, people with previous illnesses and medical staff should receive the booster vaccinations, added Holetschek, who chairs the conference of health ministers. “Boosters after six months should become the rule, not the exception,” said the acting Federal Health Minister Jens Spahn from the CDU.
Spahn called it an “important signal” that the medical profession as well as the federal and state governments were united on this issue. At the same time he called for “more speed with booster vaccinations”. There is agreement that in addition to the doctor’s offices, public bodies for vaccination offers are also needed, such as vaccination centers or vaccination buses. It is about “breaking this wave,” stressed Spahn.
Compulsory testing in nursing homes expanded
Holetschek described the situation as “dramatic, worrying and anything but all-clear”. The situation is serious and is becoming increasingly serious. “It is important to break the momentum that is now there,” said Holetschek.
Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn had already advertised a third vaccination for everyone in advance – and also made use of it himself. However, medical representatives then criticized the minister’s move.
The conference of the federal and state health ministers also decided to expand the obligation to test in old people’s and nursing homes. They want to put a “security lock” in the homes and to push a federal law, said Holetschek. Accordingly, vaccinated or recovered visitors to homes should also be obliged to take tests, but these should be free of charge.