Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach has spoken out in favor of “clear recommendations” for people under 60 or 70 as well, whether and in which cases a fourth corona vaccination is advisable. “Of course, the younger ones also want to know what they should do now. We now need clear recommendations for all age groups,” said the SPD politician to the newspapers of the Funke media group.
“We shouldn’t just say what the over 70s should do,” explained Lauterbach. “We also have to have an answer for the 40-year-old. Shouldn’t he be vaccinated under any circumstances? Or only in exceptional cases, for example if there are a lot of contacts at work? Or only if the family doctor recommends it? You need it for every age a message.” At the latest when the new vaccines adapted to the Omicron variant are available, “there should also be clear announcements for the under-60s”.
Stiko recommends fourth vaccination for older people
The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) currently only recommends a fourth corona vaccination for people over the age of 70 and some risk groups. Leading EU authorities had advocated a second booster vaccination for everyone over 60. Lauterbach, on the other hand, had campaigned for four vaccinations on a broader front, including for people under 60 years of age – after consulting the doctor.
In view of the criticism of these inconsistent statements, the goal was set in July to better coordinate communication on corona vaccinations. Lauterbach and Stiko chairman Thomas Mertens agreed to set up a pandemic working group within Stiko. This should ensure continuous communication with the ministry as early as the phase of discussion and advice on a new vaccination recommendation.
