Translated from German to English via Google Translate:
From the 18th. September the corona vaccine from Biontech adapted to the Omikron subvariant XBB.1.5 should be available. Just in time, because there is an early autumn wave. Are masks necessary again?
According to the North Rhine Pharmacists Association, the new one, adapted to the sub-variant Omikron XBB.1.5 Coronary vaccine from the 18th. September in the practices. For the manufacturer's new vaccine Biontech the European pharmaceutical authority gave EMA the green light on Wednesday. » Medical practices and pharmacies are preparing for an intensive vaccination campaign in autumn «, said Thomas Preis, head of the North Rhine Pharmacists Association, Düsseldorf » Rheinische Post « ( Friday edition ).
According to the price, digital vaccination certificates can still be issued in pharmacies, the system has not been switched off. » However, the exhibition is only possible on a self-paying basis «, said Price. » The remuneration for vaccination certificates was last six euros.
The Robert Koch Institute ( RKI ) is currently registering an increase in reported infection cases –, albeit at a low level. According to the current weekly report of the Influenza Working Group ( AGI ), the activity of acute respiratory diseases is currently » at a low summer level «, but it is increasing somewhat earlier than in previous years.
For about seven weeks, increasing numbers of cases have been increasing Covid-19 reported, but overall the incidence values are still very low. In the week from 21st to 27th. So far, 4760 Covid 19 cases have been confirmed in the laboratory in August. That is more than twice as many as in early August. However, the experts assume a significant number of unreported cases because many people no longer test themselves.
Green politicians are advising on the mask in sensitive areas
In view of the impending wave of infections, the health policy spokesman for the Green Bundestag faction, Janosch Dahmen, again in sensitive areas wearing the mask is recommended. » In order to protect yourself from acute respiratory diseases, it can also make sense this autumn to wear a protective mask in nursing facilities, clinics and other parts of the healthcare system «, Dahmen told the Germany editorial network ( Friday editions ). The number of respiratory diseases and laboratory-confirmed corona cases is increasing in Germany.» There are increasing indications that the burden on healthcare due to acute respiratory infections could increase significantly in the coming autumn-winter season «, said Dahmen. The health expert also referred to the current development in the southern hemisphere, where the number of infections in the flu and corona had increased significantly.
In preparation for the fall, corona case numbers need to be more clearly focused on again, the Green Party politician said. "It is important to keep a close eye on the early warning systems here - such as the evaluation of wastewater data and reference practices - in order to detect a critical increase at an early stage."
Furthermore, older people and high-risk patients should brush up on their vaccination protection after consulting their physicians. This applies in particular to the flu vaccination.
