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COVID-19 VACCINES

Can ‘old-fashioned’ Novavax vaccine convince German sceptics?

Germany is expecting deliveries of some four million doses of the Novavax vaccine in the coming months. Early signs are that its tried-and-tested formula will convince some of the vaccine hesitant.

Published: 29 January 2022 12:09 CET
A doctor holds a Novavax vaccine in London.
A doctor holds a Novavax vaccine in London. Photo: dpa/PA Wire | Kirsty O'connor

In the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, thousands of people signed up for their first Covid shots within hours of the state opening registrations for vaccination with the Novavax vaccine.

This has led to hope that many of the millions of German adults who have chosen not to be vaccinated with the four jabs currently on offer will feel more safe with the new one.

The Novavax vaccine, the fifth Covid-19 vaccine to gain approval in the EU, is based on a technology that has successfully been used against other illnesses for years.

The vaccine is protein-based, similar to those used against flu and whooping cough, with initial trials suggesting it causes fewer short-term side effects.

Surveys show that many Germans who haven’t yet been vaccinated are hesitant about the novel technology which is used in the mRNA vaccines from BionTech/Pfizer and Moderna.

Rhineland-Palatinate is the first state which has opened registration for vaccination with the Novavax jab. 

According to a report in the Tagesschau, some 5,000 people in the state booked their jabs with the vaccine within hours of the registration opening. After four days, that number had risen to over 9,000.

“We don’t expect the Novavax vaccine to close the last vaccination gaps,” said Clemens Hoch, state health minister in Rhineland-Palatinate.

“Nevertheless, we are pleased if some sceptics are now willing to get the vaccination with Novavax,” he added.

The western state will start vaccinating people with the Novavax product on February 21st, by which point the first 1.4 million doses are supposed to have arrived in Germany.

The federal Health Ministry has ordered 34 million doses for 2022.

The arrival of the more traditional vaccine has led to discussions in government circles over whether to extend the date by which staff in the health care sector need to get their compulsory jabs.

Doctors, nurses and carers will have to be fully jabbed by March 15th, but a modification to the law could allow for a period of leniency for those who’ve had their first jab with the Novavax vaccine but whose second appointment comes just after the deadline.

SEE ALSO: ‘Hard to keep up’ – Your verdict on Germany’s ever-changing Covid rules

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COVID-19 VACCINES

What to know about getting a fourth Covid vaccination in Germany

With Covid cases rising, many people in Germany are wondering if they should get a fourth Covid jab - or second booster. Here's what you should keep in mind.

Published: 6 October 2022 12:48 CEST
What to know about getting a fourth Covid vaccination in Germany

German states have started giving out new Covid vaccines that are specially adapted to the Omicron variant.

Though the Omicron variant is believed to cause milder courses of illness than earlier variants like Delta, it’s known for being highly transmissible and is often able to evade the body’s immune responses. 

In September, three Omicron vaccines received EU-wide approval: two vaccines from BioNTech and Moderna adapted to the BA.1 sub-variant, and another Omicron booster from BioNTech to protect against the dominant BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants. 

Who should get the fourth Covid shot (second booster)?

People who belong to ‘at risk’ groups should think about getting a booster shot this autumn.

The official recommendation from the Standing Commission on Vaccination (STIKO) stipulates that people over the age of 60 should get a further booster vaccination.

In addition, people over the age of 12 who have an underlying condition that can lead to severe illness with Covid-19 should also get a shot.

Experts also recommend that residents and staff in nursing homes or long-term care facilities receive a fourth jab.

READ ALSO: When – and how – people can get the new Omicron vaccine in Germany

In STIKO’s latest guidance dated September 20th, experts also say that it may be appropriate for people at particular risk, for instance the very elderly or people with immunodeficiency, to get another shot (a fifth jab) after the fourth vaccination, although that would depend on several factors and a medical consultation. 

A Covid test centre in Rostock, northern Germany.

A Covid test centre in Rostock, northern Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Bernd Wüstneck

Should people under the age of 60 get a fourth jab?

If people don’t fall into a risk group and are under the age of 60, they can still receive a fourth vaccination, although it’s not officially recommended. You should have a consultation with your GP – or a doctor carrying out Covid vaccinations – if you are interested in getting the fourth jab. 

How do vaccination centres handle people under 60 who want to get another Covid shot?

There have been occasional reports in Germany that younger people who don’t belong to a risk group have been turned away from vaccination centres because they don’t qualify for a booster jab. 

However, The Local has anecdotally heard that people have been able to get a jab from a vaccination station or centre, regardless of their health condition or age.

A spokesperson at the health department of the city Munich told broadcaster BR24 that carrying out a fourth vaccination is decided on a case-by-case basis and is a decision taken by the medical expert giving out the jab “in each case”.

Where is the fourth vaccination available? 

There are still lots of walk-in vaccination centres across the country, while many doctors and pharmacies also carry out jabs. You should search online or contact your GP for more information. 

Many towns and cities are reporting a significant increase in demand since the new vaccines adapted for Omicron variants became available.

READ ALSO: Munich sees sharp rise in Covid cases after Oktoberfest

How many people in Germany have been vaccinated?

According to official figures, 76.3 percent of the German population has received two Covid jabs. Just over 62 percent have also received a booster jab, and 9.9 percent have been given a second booster vaccination.

Around 18.4 million people (22.2 percent) in Germany are not vaccinated. For four million of these people aged 0 to four years (4.8 percent), no licensed vaccine is available.

Does getting the flu vaccination help against Covid?

Coronaviruses and the flu are different viruses, so the flu jab cannot protect against Covid-19. However, those who have a weaker immune system can strengthen their body in fighting a virus by getting a flu shot, according to experts. The immune system can then better use resources it saves against a possible Covid infection.

The fourth Covid jab and the flu shot can be administered to patients at the same time, according to the STIKO – although they don’t have to be.

If this is the case, the injections are given in different arms. However, it could be the case that patients have a stronger reaction if both jabs are carried out at the same time, so keep that in mind. 

READ ALSO: Can anyone in Germany get a second Covid booster jab?

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