The German Minister of Health is criticized by leading Covid-19 experts for recommending a fourth vaccine dose for the entire population.
The country has so far said that only the elderly and those at increased risk of the virus will receive a fourth shot, in line with the European Union’s advice.
Thomas Mertens, the chairman of the Permanent Vaccination Commission at the Robert Koch Institute (Stiko), said he had seen no data to support Karl Lauterbach’s advice.
“We cannot constantly vaccinate the entire population – including younger, healthy people – every year,” he told Welt, the German broadcaster, adding that he believed the current guidelines were adequate.
Earlier on Friday, Mr Lauterbach warned that Germany was facing a “very difficult autumn” as he suggested young people consider getting a fourth vaccine to protect themselves in the summer.
“If someone wants to enjoy the summer and not risk getting sick, I would” recommend vaccination to young people in consultation with the general practitioner,” he says in a video interview with Der Spiegel magazine.
Mr Lauterbach said he thought Stiko, who is the official guidelines for vaccinations in Germanywould probably follow his recommendation.