The city’s nursing homes were the first to be vaccinated at the beginning of the year. It is currently assumed that a third vaccination will be necessary nine months after the basic immunization. As a result, the Health Department plans to provide boosters in autumn.
“From today’s perspective, the recommendation for the third sting of CoV vaccination is around nine months after the second vaccination. Therefore, booster vaccinations will begin in the fall,” the Ministry of Health told ORF’s “Wien Heute”. Initially, risk groups who were vaccinated at the beginning of the year are to receive the third dose.
However, not everything is clear yet. “Whether a booster vaccination will really be necessary for all persons after only nine months cannot yet be conclusively assessed based on the current study situation.” The National Immunization Panel (NIG) monitors the development and then makes recommendations.
In fact, however, third doses of vaccine can be administered even now. Namely, if the vaccination does not elicit a sufficient immune response. “If no neutralizing antibodies are detectable after the second vaccination, a third vaccination is recommended promptly (interval no earlier than four weeks to the second dose),” the ministry says. However, this is a so-called “off-label” application.
Vaccination coverage rate around 78 percent
Nursing homes were particularly hard hit at the beginning of the pandemic. In Vienna, 78 percent of people over 84 are currently fully immunized against the coronavirus. The 75 to 84 age group also has a slightly higher vaccination coverage rate, which is also reflected in the infection figures, where the older generations no longer make up a large proportion. The vaccination success has also made it possible to soften some of the strict rules that prevailed there.
Since the beginning of July, residents have again been able to visit without restrictions. Visitors now only have to wear FFP2 masks and provide “3-G” proof.
— source: orf.at/picture:pixabay.com
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