Health – Düsseldorf – Apothekerverband: Astrazeneca is no longer enough – health

Düsseldorf (dpa) – Since Astrazeneca was released for everyone, the vaccine has become scarce in many medical practices, according to the North Rhine Pharmacists’ Association. “The Astrazeneca vaccine is so much in demand that the quantities provided are no longer sufficient,” said association chairman Thomas Preis of the “Rheinische Post” (Thursday). In some cases, wholesalers had to reduce the orders that doctors submitted through pharmacies by 80 percent. “Many doctors are very angry because existing vaccination appointments now have to be canceled,” reported Preis.

The fact that the second dose can now be administered after just four weeks contributes to the increased demand. “The shortening of the vaccination intervals to four weeks makes the vaccine attractive for young people. They want to be well prepared for the upcoming relaxation by a complete vaccination protection,” said Preis. “From a medical point of view, it would be better to have the second vaccination only after twelve weeks.”

The federal and state governments had canceled the prioritization with a fixed priority list for Astrazeneca at the beginning of May. According to a list by the Federal Ministry of Health, 843,250 doses are to be delivered in the coming week. This week there are 862 430.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210513-99-583263 / 2

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