The vaccination protection for many people in Germany is declining. But the head of the Standing Vaccination Commission, Thomas Mertens, is now countering Lauterbach's recommendations for the fourth vaccination. The virologist Alexander Kekulé also criticizes the Minister of Health.
Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach also recommends a fourth corona vaccination for people under the age of 60 - but this is met with objection from experts. "If someone wants to enjoy the summer and not take any risks", he would also recommend vaccination to younger people in consultation with the family doctor, the SPD politician told the "Spiegel". The head of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO), Thomas Mertens, replied in the "Welt am Sonntag" that he did not know any data that would justify such advice. According to the Robert Koch Institute, there is an increase in the number of cases in nursing homes and old people’s homes.
With a fourth vaccination "you simply have a completely different level of security", Lauterbach justified his initiative. Criticism came from the vaccination committee. "I think it's bad to make medical recommendations under the motto 'a lot helps a lot'," said the STIKO boss of the "WamS". Mertens still thinks the recommendation of his commission, according to which people over 70, those with previous illnesses and nursing staff should administer the fourth dose, is correct.
The fact that the EU health authority ECDC and the EU medicines authority EMA set the age limit at 60 this week is justifiable, said Mertens. "The risk of a severe course increases with age. It's not easy to make an exact age cut here." However, the entire population cannot be vaccinated every year. According to Mertens, vaccination three times with the available vaccines would provide good protection against severe courses. "But the transmission of the virus is only slightly affected."
The virologist Alexander Kekulé also criticized Lauterbach. "If the Minister of Health gives his own recommendations that deviate from those of the Standing Vaccination Commission, he is gambling away the trust of the population," he told the "WamS".
A spokesman for Lauterbach said there could be no general recommendations for a fourth vaccination. This should be discussed with the doctor on a case-by-case basis. The minister made it clear that sufficient vaccine would be made available in the autumn.
Bavaria's CSU Health Minister Klaus Holetschek basically followed Lauterbach's recommendation on the RBB Inforadio, but criticized the timing of the communication. The EU Commission is currently recommending that people over the age of 60 be vaccinated a fourth time, and the STIKO recommends it from the age of 70. What is important, however, is "uniform communication that creates trust". With a view to Lauterbach's current recommendation, he added: "This does not create trust in the population."
