Austrian vaccination panel recommends fifth vaccination only for high-risk patients and over-60s for now

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Once again, the National Immunization Panel (NIG) has updated its recommendation for the Corona vaccine. Sanofi’s protein vaccine and BioNTech/Pfizer’s variant vaccine for children five years and older have been added to the recommendation. The health ministry informed that a fifth vaccination is not recommended in general but only for high-risk groups and people aged 60 and older.

To ensure the best possible protection during the cold season, the experts strongly recommend completing the primary immunization (three doses) and the booster vaccination. In principle, it is possible for all persons over twelve. However, it is particularly recommended for people over 60 years of age and those at risk.

AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are no longer in the recommendation
Two vector vaccines approved in the EU have been removed from the recommendation for use. AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen are no longer in the request for help. “The recommendations are based on the availability of vaccines in Austria,” a Health Ministry spokesperson said. The two vaccines are approved in the EU but are no longer available in Austria or only in small quantities.

The vaccine from Sanofi (VidPrevtyn Beta) is new in the recommendations and should be available at the earliest in the coming week at the vaccination sites. This is a protein-based vaccine that has already been licensed in the EU. In Austria, the vaccine can be used from the third vaccination. The National Vaccination Panel recommends VidPrevtyn Beta according to the approval for persons 18 years and older.

Clarification on the fifth sting
The variant Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA., 4-5 from BioNTech/Pfizer, can now also be used for the third vaccination of children aged five to eleven. It is specifically adapted to the Omikron BA.4 and 5 virus variants. This vaccine will also be available at vaccination sites next week at the earliest.

Also included in the recommendations is a clarification specifically on a further booster vaccination, i.e., the fifth vaccination. Risk persons from the completed 18th year of life and persons from the completed 60th year can receive the additional booster vaccination at the earliest four months after the fourth vaccination. For healthy persons under 60 years of age, particularly health care personnel, a fifth vaccination is not necessary, according to the National Vaccination Panel.