Munich (dpa / lby) – Bavaria’s Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) sees the Bavarian vaccination centers well prepared for the new corona vaccine, which should be available from next week. “We can quickly start vaccinations in Bavaria as soon as the adapted vaccine arrives in September,” said Holetschek on Tuesday in Munich. “Sufficient vaccine doses must be made available quickly in order to be able to cover the expected demand.” At the same time, Holetschek promoted rapid booster vaccinations with the previous vaccine. The minister explained: “Especially people who belong to a vulnerable group should get a booster vaccination as soon as possible – and not wait for the adapted vaccine,” he said. Anyone who wants to visit major events such as the Oktoberfest should also ensure that they have sufficient vaccination protection in good time. Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) announced on Monday that the adapted vaccine (BA.1 vaccine) from BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna – subject to approval by the European Commission – will reach Germany in calendar weeks 36 and 37. It will probably only be approved for booster vaccinations; the vaccines used so far are still available for basic immunization.
Doctors and pharmacists should be able to order the adapted vaccine for the first time on September 5th. In addition, the approval of another vaccine adapted to new virus variants (BA.4/BA.5) is expected for the end of September/beginning of October.
