Health - Adapted Corona vaccine comes in August
For Corona booster vaccinations, an adapted vaccine for the currently circulating JN.1 virus variant is expected to be available in August. From next week on, the vaccine from the supplier Biontech, which was procured by the Federal Government, will be delivered to pharmaceutical wholesalers, the Health Ministry in Berlin announced. Practices can then order the Comirnaty vaccine from pharmacies from the 6th of August and receive it from the 12th of August.
The vaccination remains an important pillar in protecting the population from Corona infections, explained the Ministry. This is especially important for vulnerable people in risk groups. Currently, the JN.1-Subline KP.3 is predominant in Germany with an approximate share of 55 percent. The Subline KP2 had a share of 23 percent according to the data from the week of the 24th of June.
Currently, there is no evidence that these variants cause more severe infections or other symptoms than other circulating virus variants, it continued. They also face a high population immunity through vaccinations and infections.
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends particularly endangered person groups to get a yearly booster vaccination in the autumn. This is to achieve the best possible protection during the expected infection season. Those groups include people over 60 years and those under 6 months with a pre-existing condition that increases the risk for a severe Covid-19 course.
- The anticipated Corona booster vaccination requires an adapted vaccine for the prevalent JN.1 virus variant, which is expected to be available in August.
- In August, pharmacies will receive the Comirnaty vaccine from BioNTech, procured by the German government, allowing practices to order it from the 6th.
- The Health Ministry in Berlin announced that the vaccine supply from the pharmaceutical wholesalers will commence from next week.
- The vaccination remains a crucial measure to safeguard the population from Covid-19 infections, emphasized the ministry, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
- The predominant virus variant in Germany is currently JN.1-Subline KP.3, accounting for about 55% of infections, followed by KP2 with a 23% share.
- BioNTech's Comirnaty vaccine, approved for coronavirus disease, plays a significant role in mitigating the impact of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
- The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) advises high-risk groups, such as individuals over 60 and those under 6 months with pre-existing conditions, to receive a booster vaccination in the fall for optimal protection.
- Germany continues its proactive approach to pandemic management through collaborating with pharmaceutical companies like BioNTech and Pharma, advocating for science and health-based policies.