Tackling the Rising Wave of Infections: Minister Laumann Urges Vaccination in NRW
Amidst the surge of coronavirus and respiratory diseases, North Rhine-Westphalia's (NRW) Health Minister Karl-Josef Laumann, from the CDU, has urged residents to get vaccinated. According to a report from the German Press Agency, Laumann pointed out the rise in cases not just of coronavirus but also of various respiratory pathogens that cause acute infections. To shield against winter's chill and protect the overwhelmed healthcare system, people should make the most of the available vaccinations, he suggested.
This call to action is particularly essential for individuals who are advised to get vaccinated by the STIKO, such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, medical, and nursing staff. For corona and influenza, these people include those aged 60 and above or those with underlying illnesses. As per the recommendation, a coronavirus booster shot should be administered 12 months after the last vaccination or illness.
NRW's Coronavirus Infection Trends
While 3016 coronavirus cases were reported in the 43rd calendar week in late October, the number ballooned to 5265 cases in the 50th week, according to the State Center for Health (as of 18.12.). However, these reported figures only represent the tip of the iceberg. The actual number of unreported cases is likely much higher. The seven-day incidence rose to 29.03, surpassing the maximum incidence value of 13.8 since the corona protection measures ended in April of this year.
According to the Ministry of Health, nearly 80% of the NRW population has received basic coronavirus vaccinations, and two-thirds (2/3) have had a booster shot. Additionally, around 19% of the population has taken another booster shot. The vaccination rate has remained fairly steady throughout the year, the ministry noted, with data from the Robert Koch Institute revealing that vaccination rates in NRW have consistently surpassed the national average. Since October, 720,680 individuals in NRW have received the coronavirus vaccine.
GPs: The Speedier, the Better
However, the Westphalia-Lippe General Practitioners' Association is currently witnessing a reluctance among people to get the coronavirus vaccine, while demand for flu shots remains similar to previous years. "Factual information about the necessity and additional protection against current variants is especially helpful for risk groups," said association chair Lars Rettstadt. The coronavirus booster shot's administration should be swift as it requires 10 to 14 days for the vaccination to provide protection, as the following principle suggests.
The North Rhine Association of General Practitioners has observed a similar situation. Initially, there was a surge in the second coronavirus booster vaccination at the beginning of the season. However, the demand was not as strong as hoped for in the over-60 age group, even compared to the flu vaccination. Nonetheless, younger individuals are increasingly seeking flu vaccines in practices.
"The pandemic has made the younger generation more aware of vaccination. We are noticing an increased desire for advice and are responding to this," said association chairman Oliver Funken. The pandemic has also contributed to vaccination fatigue, he noted.
Coronavirus Infections on the Rise
Coronavirus infections are also on the rise with the current wave of infections, admitted Funken. However, the number of reported cases remains significantly lower than last year. The reason is that not all infections are being reported, as testing is not being done on a broad scale. "We assume that the number of cases will continue to rise at the turn of the year," said Funken. "The influenza wave will hit in January/February, as it does every year."
More Applications for Vaccination Damage Recognition
The recognition of coronavirus vaccination damage applications has more than doubled over the course of the year. As of December, NRW authorities had received 1,861 applications. So far, 92 applications have been approved, and 427 have been rejected. The responsible Rhineland and Westphalia-Lippe regional associations are currently processing 1,289 applications. In 53 cases, the applications were withdrawn by the affected parties, leaving 57 cases before the social courts.
The most commonly cited vaccination injuries include sinus vein thrombosis, fatigue syndrome, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and myocarditis, according to the ministry. The limited number of experts and the incomplete scientific understanding of reliable links between coronavirus vaccinations and specific disease patterns explain why so few applications have been resolved or approved positively, the ministry said.
