display

Berlin (dpa) - The chairman of the conference of health ministers, Bavaria's head of department Klaus Holetschek (CSU), has emphasized the importance of the Astrazeneca vaccine for the further vaccination campaign.

At the same time, Holetschek said on Tuesday evening, after the ministers of the federal and state governments, after a video link: "Caution is the order of the day."

Therefore, based on a new recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), it was unanimously decided to suspend vaccinations with Astrazeneca for the time being for people under 60.

«The positive message is: The vaccine from Astrazeneca should continue to be vaccinated for people who have reached the age of 60.

The studies continue to show that this is a highly effective vaccine that is effective against severe disease, ”said the minister.

"We need him to speed up the vaccinations in view of the third wave and dangerous virus mutations."

Holetschek also emphasized: "We now have to set a clear line in order to be able to continue using the Astrazeneca vaccine."

Therefore, the countries should be able to decide for themselves to lift the vaccination prioritization at Astrazeneca for people over 60 years of age.

"This way we can offer the age group 60+ a vaccination offer, which is urgently needed."

display

In addition, it was decided that people in priority groups 1 and 2 under the age of 60 may continue to be vaccinated with Astrazeneca, if this is decided according to medical judgment and individual assessment.

"If you want Astrazeneca, you should get it."

And for those who have already received a primary vaccination with Astrazeneca, the GMK is calling on the Vaccination Commission to make a recommendation as soon as possible.

The Stiko had announced this by the end of April.

Holetschek said: “We cannot leave people in the dark for so long.

That is why we need clarity as soon as possible with second vaccinations.

“We have now registered 31 cases of rare cerebral vein thrombosis in Germany.

Those affected are between 20 and 60 years old, ”reported Holetschek.

Therefore, caution is the order of the day.

“We call on all people who have already been vaccinated with Astrazeneca to watch out for symptoms such as persistent headaches, shortness of breath and leg swelling.

If this happens, consult your doctor as a precaution.

Safety first."

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210330-99-33154 / 2