Tuesday 13 July 2021
Urgent appeal
Merkel: A high vaccination rate means more freedom
For Chancellor Merkel, vaccination is the way out of the corona crisis and back to more freedom. Accordingly, she appeals to German citizens to persuade fellow human beings to be vaccinated as well. In Germany, however, there will be no duty like in France.
Chancellor Angela Merkel urged people in Germany to get vaccinated. “The central question is how many people get vaccinated,” said Merkel after a visit to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) with a view to the increasing number of infections. “The more we are vaccinated, the freer we will be again,” emphasized the Chancellor. With vaccination, a higher incidence can then be better managed without putting too much strain on the health system.
The Chancellor clearly rejected any compulsory vaccination. “We do not intend to go this way,” said Merkel, referring to France, where there is a compulsory vaccination for health care workers. “There will be no compulsory vaccination,” emphasized the Chancellor. Such a duty would gamble away trust. Instead, the federal government continues to advertise vaccination.
“Risk awareness is lost at low incidences”
RKI boss Lothar Wieler agreed with the chancellor. “The scientific justification is that we do not need to be vaccinated. We have a very high willingness to vaccinate. There is a very small proportion – a single-digit percentage – who do not want to be vaccinated. We must succeed in getting the vaccination to people . “
Wieler made the slowing vaccination rate based on the current number of cases. “Risk awareness is lost at low incidences,” he said. There are many people who want to be vaccinated but for some reason do not go to the doctor. “That is everyday life,” emphasized Wieler.
Greater risk of mutation with high numbers of infections
In addition to creative ways to get vaccinated, the impetus should also come from the population. “Promote vaccination,” Merkel appealed. It is always better if the conviction comes from someone you trust. “Everyone who is unsure. A vaccination not only protects you, but also someone you are close to, who is important to you, who you love,” said Merkel.
A high vaccination rate would also minimize the risk of mutation. With regard to the delta variant, the Chancellor warned that where there are high numbers of infections, there is a great risk that the virus will continue to mutate and become more aggressive. “The vaccines still protect,” said Merkel. And it should stay that way.
.