The demand for corona vaccinations in the north-east has recently increased again. According to the Schwerin Ministry of Health, there is still room for improvement in one group in particular.
Schwerin (dpa/mv) – The Schwerin Ministry of Health sees a challenge with the corona vaccinations, especially in the second refresher for over 60-year-olds. Up until a week ago, only around a fifth of this age group in the north-east received the second booster, the ministry said at the request of the German Press Agency.
The refresher six months after the last vaccination or infection is Minister Stefanie Dreses (SPD) “urgent advice to all citizens over the age of 60 and to people with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 courses as a result of an underlying disease”, preferably with the mRNA vaccine, which has recently also been adapted to the omicron variant. “This preserves personal immune protection.”
According to the information, the new vaccines have been available since mid-September. A vaccine adapted to the Omicron variant BA.4/5 has also recently been available. A total of more than 1,500 vaccinations have already been carried out with the new Omikron vaccines. The interest increases.
Compared to previous booster campaigns, the demand for vaccinations between November 2021 and February 2022 was at a low but continuously increasing level. About 5,500 vaccinations are currently being given each week – double the number in the summer months.
Drese explained: “The aim of the vaccination campaign in autumn and winter is primarily to avoid serious illnesses and thus protect the health system and critical infrastructure.”
According to the information, the rate of those who have been vaccinated at least once is over 75 percent in MV. The value changes only slightly.
“It is true that a comparatively good basic immunity has now been built up within the population through the combination of vaccinations and infections,” said Drese. Not least because of this, the conditions are significantly better for the beginning of autumn and winter compared to earlier pandemic phases. “However, a vaccination or booster vaccination is still the most effective means of effective protection, especially against severe courses.”
