Berlin, Europe Brief News- Germany’s health minister has recommended a fourth vaccine dose for the entire population, sparking fury.
Thomas Mertens, the chairman of the Robert Koch Institute’s Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), said he had not seen any 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 guidance was adequate.
Earlier on Friday, Mr Lauterbach warned that Germany was facing a “very difficult autumn” as he suggested young people should consider getting a fourth vaccine to protect themselves over the summer.
“If someone wants to enjoy the summer and not take the risk of falling ill, then I would recommend vaccination to younger people in consultation with the family doctor,” he said in a video interview with Der Spiegel magazine.
Mr Lauterbach said that he thought Stiko, which provides official guidance for vaccinations in Germany, was likely to follow his recommendation.
However, some of Germany’s top virologists were quick to criticise the health minister’s proposal.
