Covid Germany, vaccine over 12 years from 7 June

Children over the age of 12 will be able to be vaccinated against covid in Germany from 7 June. This was established today by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the leaders of the country’s 16 regions. The decision depends on the green light of the European regulatory body Ema on the approval of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for this age group, which is expected for tomorrow. At the moment the minimum age is 16. The Chancellor today reiterated the goal of “offering the vaccine to every citizen by the end of the summer”, a promise that now starts at the age of 12. Minors of this age group with particular health conditions will be vaccinated as a priority if there are indications from the competent committee. Merkel said she understands the concerns of parents and Health Minister Jens Spahn stressed that it will be a decision to be evaluated “among children, parents and doctors”. The start of vaccination will not change the anti-contagion security measures imposed in schools, even taking into account that under 12 years of age it is not currently possible to immunize. “Safe schooling will continue regardless of whether the children are vaccinated or not,” the chancellor said. Furthermore, there will be no impact on families on vacation whose children will not be vaccinated. “We want to make an offer on vaccines, there is no obligation”, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Soeder pointed out.