“I would always choose the latest vaccine”

Berlin The long-awaited vaccine adapted to the omicron variant of the coronavirus will soon be available in doctors’ offices. But instead of a rush of people willing to be vaccinated, practices and vaccination centers expect more restraint. And not just because of the currently more relaxed pandemic situation. The debate that has flared up about the safety of vaccines adapted to virus subtypes BA.4/BA.5 could also play a role.

The vaccine received approval from the EU Commission, although clinical studies have not yet been completed. At the same time, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that all available data had been taken into account for the approval recommendation. In the meantime, the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) has changed its recommendation to the effect that adapted vaccines are preferable for booster vaccinations.