Dresden (dpa/sn) – The Ministry of Health assumes that the corona vaccine adapted to the BA.4/BA.5 variant can be offered in the state vaccination centers from the beginning of October. “We have been waiting urgently for this vaccine, because it protects everyone, and especially the vulnerable groups, and can prevent serious illnesses and hospital overloading,” said Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) on Tuesday of the German Press Agency in Dresden. The German Red Cross (DRK), which directs the state vaccination campaign, will order a total of 17,000 doses of the new serum on Wednesday, according to a spokesman.
“Vaccination is and remains important,” appealed Köpping. With the nationwide offer of the state vaccination centers in addition to the regular medical system, “everyone can be vaccinated easily at any time and place”. Anyone who is unsure and still has questions can seek advice and clarification there. “Please use the vaccination option, it is the best way to prevent serious COVID-19 disease.” Köpping warned: “The pandemic is not over yet, the number of infections is rising again.”