Hamburg is setting up special child vaccination centers
– A corona vaccination is carried out. Photo: Oliver Berg / dpa / symbol image © dpa-infocom GmbH
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It should start in mid-December. If the Stiko gives the green light, children between the ages of five and eleven can also be vaccinated against Corona. Preparations are under way in Hamburg, but not everyone is on board.
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In view of the lack of interest on the part of paediatricians in corona vaccinations for five to eleven year olds, Hamburg wants to set up its own child vaccination centers. Although one continues to rely on pediatricians in a three-pillar model, said Social Senator Melanie Leonhard. This first pillar is “certainly very relevant for the younger ones in this age group – because many other vaccinations are also pending in parallel.” In addition, there should also be vaccination offers in children’s hospitals. “And we are planning our own child vaccination centers, in which we can, independently of this, offer child vaccinations exclusively for this age group with special staff.”
The SPD politician did not want to comment on how many there will be and where they will be. However, all offers should “start relatively at the same time.” And the public will be informed in a timely manner.
The European Medicines Agency EMA had already approved the children’s vaccine from Biontech / Pfizer at the end of November. A recommendation from the Standing Vaccination Commission is still pending. The vaccination is expected to start in mid-December.
Most of the paediatricians are not going along, said Leonhard. “As of today – but that always changes – it is actually just under a quarter that has reported back that they want to participate.” Your authority asked all practices regarding the amount of vaccine to be ordered. “The feedback is as follows: The medical benefits are manageable for this age group and there are much more important pediatric activities that need to be prioritized, especially in pediatric practices, which are already burdened by the cold season.”
Normal vaccinations, measles vaccinations, U-examinations – “this is considered to be more important and with greater medical benefit,” said Leonhard. From the special vaccine for children, Hamburg ordered what the city is arithmetically entitled to. “That’s 30,000 vaccine doses from the first delivery by the federal government.”
Leonhard expects great interest from the parents at the beginning, “but many more will certainly want to seek advice from the pediatrician anyway. We’ll start with a certain offer that will grow up in the new year. “
The preparations are in full swing. “It is important to know that there will be an appointment booking system for these child vaccinations, because this is simply more complex and time-consuming than boosting adults out of the queue.”
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