The topic of booster vaccinations is moving more and more into focus. According to the Stiko boss, it is still too early for a recommendation by the vaccination commission.
Berlin – After the decision on a third Corona vaccination dose for older people in Israel, the head of the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) confirmed that booster vaccinations continue to occupy the body intensively.
However, Stiko needs a database for a recommendation, said Stiko boss Thomas Mertens on Friday to the German press agency. This does not yet exist.
The independent experts are concerned with two aspects of the data: whether the measurable immune response in the laboratory is weakening and whether infections with disease are increasing despite vaccination. Laboratory studies on antibody levels are already available, but these do not allow the direct conclusion that the protective effect in humans is also decreasing, explained Mertens. There is also the question of which groups could get a refresher: whether, for example, immunosuppressed, old people or everyone.
The virologist further emphasized that there was nothing to be said against a state making such vaccination offers out of a duty of care – even without evidence. However, the task of the Stiko are recommendations based on scientific knowledge. In this respect, one waits for a data basis. If there is any news, Stiko will take this into account, emphasized Mertens.
In view of the rising number of infections, Israel was the first country to announce that it would give 60-year-olds and older cohorts a third vaccination against the coronavirus. This applies to patients who have received their second dose of vaccine at least five months ago, it said. dpa
