European Union medical authorities on Monday recommended a second booster vaccination against the coronavirus for those aged over 60 to counter a fresh wave of Covid-19 breaking over Europe, news agency MIA informs.
The Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA) said the second booster – effectively the fourth jab – should be considered for those aged between 60 and 79, as well as those with pre-existing medical conditions putting them at risk of severe disease. The two authorities had recommended a second booster to those 80 and older in April. There was no time to lose, EU Health and Food Safety Commissioner Stella Kyriakides said.
“I call on member states to roll out second boosters for everyone over the age of 60 as well as all vulnerable persons immediately and urge everyone eligible to come forth and get vaccinated,” she said.
“This is how we protect ourselves, our loved ones and our vulnerable populations.”
The ECDC added that at the moment, “there is no clear evidence to support giving a second booster dose to people below 60 years of age who are not at higher risk severe disease.”
Health policy in the EU remains the province of the individual member states, with EU health policy serving to complement national policies.
