Jens Spahn: "There is still too much vaccine in the refrigerator"

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Federal Minister of Health Jens Spahn (CDU) sees "first successes" in the vaccination campaign against Corona in Germany.

"Vaccination is the way out of the pandemic," said Spahn on Friday morning at the federal press conference.

Two months after the start of the vaccination campaign, we could see the first successes.

It is also gratifying that "the vast majority" of the nursing home residents accepted the vaccination offer.

However, Spahn worries about the variants of the virus that are currently appearing in many places and some have also reached Germany - especially the British variant.

"The mutations make this path difficult and difficult".

However, “increased testing” could provide additional security.

"Another tool for the pandemic toolbox" is available, especially through the approval of quick and self-tests.

Overall, the health minister was cautiously optimistic.

"The risk of developing Corona has decreased for our very old," said Spahn.

The incidence in the age groups concerned has recently fallen.

The strategy of vaccinating the most vulnerable first is working.

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With 5.7 million vaccinations, around four and a half percent of the population had been vaccinated at least once.

They are currently vaccinating 60,000 doses per day, and by the end of next week they will have delivered eleven million doses to the federal states.

It is therefore now necessary to build up additional capacities.

"There is still too much vaccine in the refrigerator," said Spahn.

As a next step, medical practices would be involved in vaccination.

RKI President Lothar Wieler is also pleased about the falling numbers among older people, but warns against the all-clear too quickly.

"Unfortunately, several hundred deaths are still reported to the Robert Koch Institute every day." It is "in your own hands" to control the pandemic.

"The last spring of this pandemic - let's use it wisely"

A trend reversal is currently being seen that indicators such as the nationwide seven-day incidence have "leveled off" and even increased slightly, depending on the area.

"So what happens is very different from region to region."

The numbers rose especially among younger people.

In addition to the vaccinations, Wieler's hope is above all the new test options.

“Self-tests are not a silver bullet,” says Wieler, but they could help.

In addition, the measures against the virus must continue to be adhered to.

"The last spring of this pandemic - let's use it wisely."