Michael Theurer: FDP parliamentary deputy calls for federal subsidies for corona vaccinations

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FDP parliamentary group Vice Michael Theurer: "Vaccinations must be free of charge for everyone and thus be as attractive as possible"

Photo: Christian Spicker / imago images / Christian Spicker

It was one of the big news of the past few days: The pharmaceutical companies Biontech and Pfizer have developed a vaccine against the coronavirus according to their own information, which, according to initial evaluations, offers more than 90 percent protection against Covid 19 disease.

In view of this development, Michael Theurer, Vice of the FDP parliamentary group, has now brought his own vaccination plan into the debate, which is available to SPIEGEL.

"After the very positive announcement of the development of a vaccine by Biontech and Pfizer and its possible timely approval, at least in the USA, the federal government has to specify its vaccination strategy," writes the Baden-Württemberg FDP state chief.

Among other things, the Liberal suggests that the cost of a voluntary vaccination should be covered by a federal grant.

"The vaccination must be free of charge for everyone and as attractive as possible," said Theurer.

In addition, the federal government should establish a digital vaccination management system.

Who will be vaccinated first must be defined transparently and clearly according to a "public discourse".

It is known that doctors, medical staff, risk groups and systemically important groups are initially vaccinated, but with a population of 40 percent there is no adequate answer to the question of how the limited vaccine doses should be distributed.

Theurer wants to ensure the distribution, administration and storage of the vaccine via vaccination centers, vaccination vehicles and additional staff.

The federal and state governments should also ensure uniform implementation across the country.

With its vaccination strategy, Theurer is also targeting the critics of the corona protective measures.

"A broad information campaign must come now and not in the coming year in order to increase vaccination acceptance and not offer corona deniers and vaccination opponents any additional points of attack," he told SPIEGEL.

FDP boss Lindner wants to concentrate on risk groups

On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel and the Prime Minister will meet to take stock of the partial shutdown and to discuss any further measures.

FDP leader Christian Lindner meanwhile called for a crisis strategy "that is sustainable in the long run".

In particular, people with previous illnesses and the elderly should be protected, he told ntv.

Specifically, the FDP boss proposed the free issue of FFP2 masks to particularly vulnerable groups of people and special shopping times for the elderly.

"The national show of strength that the Chancellor spoke of should concentrate on protecting those particularly at risk," said Lindner.

That is also the prerequisite for the gastronomy to be able to reopen more quickly.

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