Published
Numerous people hold a positive test result in their hand – despite the booster. Experts and politicians warn against lulling oneself into a false sense of security.
“In the practices we treat several cases every day of patients who suffered a breakthrough vaccination after the booster,” says Felix Huber, President of the Medix network of doctors.
Private
At least two thirds of the new cases are due to Omikron, said BAG crisis manager Patrick Mathys at a media conference.
20min / Simon Glauser
Patients who have tested positive despite a third vaccination often end up in doctor’s offices.
Infectiologist Andreas Cerny warns: “Freshly boosted you shouldn’t have the feeling that you are Hercules.”
Politicians are also calling for more caution after the third vaccination.
Hardly boosted, Corona-positive: Some of the around two million people with third-party vaccinations in Switzerland experience this surprise. For example, a person from Zurich who has recovered and has been vaccinated: “Three days after my booster, I got joint pain and was very tired. Shortly afterwards, my rapid test was positive. ” He actually did not expect a positive corona test shortly after the booster.
Doctors know the phenomenon. “In the practices we treat several cases every day of patients who suffered a breakthrough vaccination after the booster,” says Felix Huber, President of the Medix network of doctors.
Those affected often have flu-like infections with mild symptoms, says Huber. “They must have been infected with the Omikron variant.” After the third vaccination, those affected “paid too little attention” or were infected shortly before the booster appointment, he suspects.
Those who are boosted should remain cautious
On Wednesday, the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) reported over 30,000 new corona cases – more than ever since the pandemic began. At least two thirds of this can be traced back to Omikron, said BAG crisis manager Patrick Mathys at a media conference. “Omikron is increasingly determining epidemic events.”
Those who have been boosted have immediate access – without showing a negative test – to clubs and indoor swimming pools, for example. But infectiologist Andreas Cerny warns: “Freshly boosted you shouldn’t have the feeling that you are Hercules.” For example, he advises against celebrating the booster with a visit to a restaurant, for example, or seeing it as a reason to go to the office instead of working from home.
“Insufficiently protected against omicrons”
According to Cerny, it takes ten to 14 days for boosters to fully protect against Omikron. “Unfortunately, in this time window, you are only inadequately protected against an omicron infection. Therefore one should remain careful and follow the protective measures exactly. ” During this time, the risk of being infected with Omikron or passing the virus on to someone is the same as before the booster.
Felix Huber also says: “Immediately after the booster, you should behave as if you had not yet had the third vaccination.”
“Don’t run out and party”
Politicians also appeal for cautious behavior. “It must be made known to the population that they cannot run out and party after the booster,” says FDP parliamentary group leader Beat Walti.
He considers this to be particularly important with regard to the critical staff shortages that are threatened by Omikron. According to Walti, those boosted should limit unnecessary contacts in the first two weeks. “It would also be helpful if employers temporarily give employees who normally have to be on-site tasks that they can do in the home office.”
Center National Councilor Lorenz Hess also says: “All the old hygiene and distance rules from the first hour are now more important than ever.” It is possible to get infected before or after the booster or to pass the virus on – that is a fact. However, he noticed that many people no longer disinfected their hands and did not ventilate or keep their distance at indoor gatherings.
According to Samia Hurst, Vice-President of the Task Force, people who have been vaccinated twice are 70 percent protected from severe disease and hospitalization. After the third dose, protection increases to 78 to 93 percent. Protection against symptomatic infection drops sharply after two doses – to around 35 percent – but increases to 77 percent after three doses.
As a member, you become part of the 20-minute community and benefit from great benefits and exclusive competitions every day!