German Health Ministers Expand COVID-19 Vaccinations

Deutsche Welle reported on August 2, 2021, German health ministers recommended administering COVID-19 vaccine boosters, a third vaccination, for at-risk and elderly citizens. Additionally, they approved plans to vaccinate adolescents.

These actions have not been endorsed by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) vaccine commission. In Germany, the STIKO usually develops national recommendations for the use of licensed vaccines.

As of August 1, 2021, about 53% of German residents were vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine.

There are four authorized COVID-19 vaccines available in Germany. In addition, Tubingen, Germany-based CureVac's mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate, is conducting a late-stage clinical study.