In Germany, the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) is preparing a recommendation for a fourth coronavirus vaccination, according to its chairman, Thomas Mertens.
Recent data from Israel suggest that a fourth dose would provide “some improvement in protection against infection and a more marked improvement in protection against severe disease,” Mertens told the Funke Mediengruppe newspapers (Thursday editions). He said the commission would soon issue a recommendation on the matter. This would involve a second booster vaccination with the existing mRNA vaccines.
Italian government adopts relaxations
Italy’s government yesterday approved the relaxation of some CoV measures. Among the changes announced is the end of homeschooling for elementary and secondary school students, regardless of the number of students testing positive in a class, the government announced in Rome. However, the wearing of masks outdoors will remain, according to a decision Monday.
Prime Minister Mario Draghi promised to “move forward on the path of reopening.” In addition, the validity of the vaccination passport for boostered and convalescents will be extended to an unlimited period, Draghi said. Previously, the country’s vaccination passport was only valid for six months.
“We want a more open Italy,” Draghi continued. He said his government is working on a timetable for further relaxation based on infection figures. Nearly 88 percent of Italy’s population over the age of 12 has been vaccinated, and about 34 million people have received the third dose.
- source: orf.at/picture: pixabay.com
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