It feels like someone has always been coughing or sniffling since the beginning of spring. In fact, in mid-July, around one in twenty people were ill with these or similar symptoms, according to Pascal Kiss from the SWR science department.
New adapted corona vaccines can be ordered
Of these infections, around 20 to 30 percent were caused by Corona. Today is a special day for everyone who wants to be vaccinated – because from Tuesday, August 6, the new variant-adapted Covid-19 vaccines from BioNTech/Pfizer for children and adults will be available to orderaccording to the German Pharmacists Association (DAV) – also in Rhineland-Palatinate. These could then be vaccinated starting next week (12 August).
Better protection against new corona variants
The new vaccine is intended to provide a stronger immune response to the current variants of the coronavirus, explains Pascal Kiss from the SWR science editorial team. The vaccine is tailored to the coronavirus variant JN.1. The virus has evolved since then, but the adapted vaccination should provide sufficient protection against the current variants. Data from the US regulatory authority show how the effectiveness of the previous vaccine already declined significantly last winter.
Who should be vaccinated with the new vaccines?
People over 60 in particular should get vaccinated – once a year, because protection decreases every year. People who are overweight or have serious illnesses should also get vaccinated. For people under 60, there is currently no recommendation that it is absolutely necessary. But of course you can get vaccinated.
