Dresden (dpa/sn) – Saxony expects the delivery of the first corona vaccines from Biontech/Pfizer and Moderna, adapted to the omicron variant BA.1, in the course of the coming week. The availability in the 13 state vaccination centers depends on the supply from pharmacies, the Ministry of Social Affairs in Dresden announced on Thursday. Valneva’s new inactivated vaccine is also available. Vaccination will then only be done with an appointment to avoid waiting times – also for first and second vaccinations with the known vaccines.
The German Red Cross (DRK) is building ahead with this. Interest has increased in recent weeks, “we are assuming a restrained increase in demand,” said spokesman Kai Kranich. According to him, 4,000 doses of the new vaccine have been ordered.
Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD) pointed out that the state vaccination centers supplemented the offer in the Free State. “Our powerful medical practices, company doctors and hospitals remain the main players in vaccination.” They would be supported by a few trained pharmacies and dentists. “We are well prepared and, as announced, are currently increasing the capacities of the vaccination centers bit by bit.” The care facilities were informed separately about the available vaccines and vaccination recommendations.
According to the currently valid recommendation of the Saxon Vaccination Commission (SIKO) of August 25, 2022, fourth vaccinations are possible without restrictions for all people over the age of twelve. These should preferably be done with the adapted vaccines.
According to SIKO, half of the new vaccines consist of the vaccine previously available from the manufacturers, which is tailored to the wild type of the coronavirus. “The other half of the vaccines are adapted to the omicron subtype BA.1.” According to the current data, the result is a better immune response, “even if the BA. 4/5 variant currently dominates the infection process in Germany”.
SIKO recommends the fourth vaccination with the bivalent vaccines adapted to the omicron subtypes BA.4/5 for healthy people under the age of 70 and health workers. “We expect this in mid-October.”
