COPENHAGEN (AP) – Denmark, like other European nations, will offer booster vaccines against COVID-19 to all people over the age of 18 in the face of an increase in coronavirus cases.
The Danish Health Authority reported Thursday that “decreased immunity is also occurring in younger people.”
Denmark, like many other countries in Europe, has seen an increase in infections, and health authorities say the number of infections and hospitalizations has risen faster than expected.
“When we see the epidemic break out at this time, it is mainly due to the transition from summer to fall and winter, and at the same time we have an open society with few restrictions. Combined with the fact that the effect of vaccines diminishes over time, an increase in infection is expected to increase, ”said Helene Probst, deputy director of the government agency, in a statement.
In Denmark, which has already offered booster shots to elderly and vulnerable people, the third injection will now be offered to people six months after the second. Vaccination in the Scandinavian country is voluntary.
According to official figures, 88.4% in Denmark have received the first injection, and 86.4% the second.
Sweden recommended on Wednesday that everyone between the ages of 18 and 65 receive a booster shot, six months after completing their first schedule of vaccines.
On Wednesday, the Danish government said it would seek support from Parliament to reintroduce mandates for the use of masks in public places and expand the use of the COVID-19 digital pass. Health Minister Magnus Heunicke said that “the delta variant is much more contagious and that presents us with difficulties.”
–
