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COVID-19 VACCINES

Austria to roll out Covid booster shots from Tuesday

From Tuesday, anyone in the Austrian capital who has received their second jab more than six months ago will be eligible for a booster shot.

Published: 1 November 2021 17:22 CET
A man waits to be vaccinated at a vaccine centre in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP
A man waits to be vaccinated at a vaccine centre in Vienna, Austria. Photo: Joe Klamar/AFP

A third Covid vaccination – known as a ‘booster shot’ – will be available to everyone in Vienna from November 2nd.

So far, Vienna has administered 50,000 booster vaccinations to people in risk groups, but the vaccinations will now be open to all. 

“Starting tomorrow, everyone in Vienna can pick up the third vaccination after six months,” mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) said on Monday. 

“Everyone is called upon to pick up the third jab, only then can we safely get through the pandemic.”

Everyone aged 12 and over is encouraged to get a third jab. 

READ MORE: How do I get my Covid booster shot in Austria?

Medical Association president  Thomas Szekeres, said all practicing doctors would administer the vaccinations, but said the boosters were particularly important for older people, those with previous illnesses or weakened immune systems. 

Those who have had the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccination are encouraged to get a booster with an MRNA vaccine at least 28 days after their shot. 

Everyone in Vienna will be contacted via post with information on how to get their booster shot. 

You can also contact your GP or vaccination centre, or click the following link. 

READ MORE: How do I register for the coronavirus vaccine in Vienna?

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COVID-19 VACCINES

What to know about Austria’s new advice on Covid vaccines

As the coronavirus pandemic progressed, each country developed its own vaccination recommendation, which often changed. Here is the new advice from the Austrian vaccination panel.

Published: 29 November 2022 14:39 CET
What to know about Austria's new advice on Covid vaccines

The Austrian National Vaccination Panel has updated its recommendations on Covid vaccination on several points, the Ministry of Health announced.

“Special attention continues to be paid to the completion of the basic immunisation, which is recommended for all persons five years of age and older, and to the booster vaccination,” according to the Ministry of Health.

The booster shot is generally available to all persons 12 years of age and older and is free of charge, but it is especially recommended for persons 60 years of age and older and those at risk.

READ ALSO: Masks against Covid and flu: What’s ahead for Austria this winter

In Austria, the basic immunisation against Covid-19 consists of three vaccine doses. A fourth dose, also known as a booster shot, is also recommended.

What is new in the recommendation?

Austria is adding a new coronavirus vaccine, from Sanofi (VidPrevtyn Beta), to the list of offers against the virus. The new vaccine is protein-based and has already been approved by the European authorities. 

In Austria, the Sanofi vaccine can be used from the third vaccination onwards on people older than 18. The offer will be available at the vaccination sites in the coming week at the earliest, according to the Ministry. 

READ ALSO: Colds and flu: What to do and say if you get sick in Austria

Another change is that the variant Comirnaty Original/Omicron BA.4-5 from BioNTech/Pfizer will also be used for the third vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years. 

This vaccine is specially adapted to the virus variants Omicron BA.4 and 5. It is now available for children in a special application shot that should be in vaccination sites starting next week at the earliest. 

READ ALSO: What to expect from the ski season in Austria this winter

Also included in the recommendations is a clarification specifically on an additional booster vaccination (fifth vaccination). 

People at risk from the age of 18, and those from the age of 60 can receive the additional booster vaccination four months after the fourth vaccination. According to the vaccination panel, no fifth vaccination is necessary for healthy people under 60.

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