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The coronavirus persists and is constantly changing. Biontech plans to continue to ensure safety with a new vaccine.
Frankfurt – The European Football Championships have attracted large crowds in Frankfurt brought together and other events such as concerts have been taking place regularly and without restrictions for some time now. The lockdown at the height of Corona is a thing of the past for many people. But that does not mean that the virus no longer exists. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology group Pfizer and the biotechnology company Biontech have now brought a new Corona vaccine onto the market.
Before the fall season: New Corona vaccine from Biontech to maintain effectiveness
The fact that Corona has not yet disappeared is shown by the fact that new variants of the virus are constantly being found. The sub-variant KP.3 has been making the rounds since the beginning of July. It developed from JN.1, the dominant Omicron virus line, which has been widespread since December 2023. Wastewater monitoring by the Robert Koch Institute and the Federal Environment Agency, among others, also showed a high viral load in wastewater in Germany in May. An expert from Austria is therefore warning that the new Corona wave could occur earlier this year.
Maintaining the effectiveness of the vaccine: Biontech is bringing a new corona vaccine onto the market. © Stefan Puchner/dpa
The new vaccine “Comirnaty JN.1” is now specifically aimed at combating the new variant, reports the news magazine FocusAccording to a statement from Biontech, the adapted vaccine is suitable for “maintaining the effectiveness of vaccines against the continuously evolving SARS-CoV-2”. With its release from the beginning of August, the availability of the substance before the start of the autumn and winter wave is also ensured.
Could be vaccinated Kinder between six months and four years, children from five years to eleven years, and persons from twelve years of age, according to the website of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians.
Manufacturer states side effects: Inflammation of the heart muscle or pericardium possible
The manufacturer reports myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium) as very rare side effects. Most cases recover, but deaths have also been reported, Biontech reports. Insomnia, hyperhidrosis, night sweats and dizziness rarely occur. On the other hand, vomiting is common and diarrhea is very common. Anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) is also one of the other possible side effects.
Vaccination recommendation: These groups are advised to get a booster
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) of the Robert Koch Institute recommends a booster vaccination for the following groups:
- People over 60 years
- People living in a care facility
- People in rehabilitation facilities with an increased risk of a severe course of the disease
- Children aged six months and older if they have an underlying disease and an increased risk of a severe course
- Persons with an increased work-related risk of infection in medical and/or nursing care
- Family members and close contacts of persons who are not expected to develop protective immunity after vaccination
According to STIKO, no booster vaccinations are recommended for healthy people under 60 years of age, healthy pregnant women and people who have already had a corona infection in the current year.
But how useful are vaccinations really? Researchers from South Korea are studying the effect of vaccination against the omicron derivative JN.1. Their results could be encouraging. (gel)
