The Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) is currently preparing an update of its recommendations, also with a view to corona booster vaccinations.
An adjustment taking into account new scientific findings and the current Corona situation should be made "promptly", writes the Stiko in a statement published on Monday.
So far, the committee has recommended a so-called booster vaccination among other people with immunodeficiency, people over 70 years of age, residents of care facilities as well as staff in medical facilities and nursing staff. For immunological and epidemiological reasons, it makes sense to also offer a booster vaccination to everyone else in the medium term, the statement said. "As far as possible, the approach should be based on decreasing age."
In the past few days there had been a discussion about which population groups should now go for "boosting". On Friday the federal and state governments agreed to allow booster vaccinations for everyone. They are scheduled no earlier than six months after the vaccination has been completed. The Stiko speaks of "current inconsistent public statements about the target groups for booster vaccinations, which have led to uncertainty in the medical profession and the population".
Even if booster vaccinations for younger people, after reaching high vaccination rates, can contribute to a noticeable reduction in the spread of the virus in the population, this should not lead to a delay in people over the age of 70 and in immunocompromised people, writes the Stiko.
Breakthrough infections led to serious illnesses more frequently in old people than in younger people, which made intensive medical treatment necessary.