"Long-term protection against infection not proven" - Streeck curbs euphoria about Omikron vaccine

Created: 09/03/2022, 06:35

By: Miriam Haberhauer

Hendrik Streeck, Director of the Institute for Virology at the University Hospital Bonn.

© Rolf Vennenbernd/dpa/archive image

New corona vaccines will come to Germany from September.

In particular, they are intended to protect against the omicron variant.

Virologist Hendrik Streeck curbs the euphoria in advance.

Bonn – From September there should be the possibility in Germany to be vaccinated with a new vaccine against the omicron variant.

From September 5th it will be available nationwide in pharmaceutical wholesales.

Experts provide information about its benefits and which population groups need it.

Omicron vaccine against corona variant: virologist Hendrik Streeck sees hardly any innovations

The virologist Hendrik Streeck - a member of the German government's Corona Expert Council - warns against excessive expectations of the new vaccine: "The booster once again ensures a slightly higher antibody level in the blood of vaccinated people.

How well it protects against infection has not been tested,” the scientist told the German Press Agency.

One has to assume that the effect will be the same as with the previous booster, i.e. with protection against infection for an approximate period of three months.

"Protection against infection for a longer period of time has not been proven and is also not likely," said the director of the Institute of Virology at the University of Bonn.

Despite everything, there is good protection against serious illness here, as with the previous vaccines.

Virologist Streeck: Omicron vaccine "not necessary for all people"

"You have to say very clearly: The use of the adapted vaccine is not necessary for everyone," said Streeck.

A second booster vaccination with the new preparation makes sense for the groups to which the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) is already recommending this, i.e. certain groups at risk of severe courses - such as people over 60 years of age.

"It's not the case that every young, fit, vaccinated person has to get a dose of it as soon as possible - especially not if you went through a corona infection in the summer.

In most cases, these were already infections with the BA.5 subline, which can be seen as a substitute for the booster.” Streeck also advised against getting vaccinated again immediately after an infection.

The virologist emphasized that he would like politicians to clearly communicate who needs a fourth vaccination with the adapted vaccine.

At the same time, he understands that Stiko has not yet issued a statement on this: “In view of the available data, I do not see any acute need for action.

Because you shouldn't expect too much from the adapted vaccine and think that that would now be the game changer in the pandemic. "