“Currently, no scientific basis to justify a 3rd dose for all”, according to the head of the Vaccination Taskforce
Before Flanders can concretely implement this decision, it must await the opinion of the Higher Health Council.
In a reaction, Dirk Ramaekers said that the working group on immunization, just like the Higher Health Council with which there is intensive cooperation, is working in the most scientific way possible. “We are monitoring the situation around the world, especially in the United States and the United Kingdom, because they are two months ahead of us (the vaccination campaign started there earlier, editor’s note). Since the summer, we also take into account the fact that the general population could receive a third injection, but on the basis of scientific arguments. I would therefore like to know what scientific justification is based on the Flemish government to already announce this third injection, ”he continues.
In addition, Mr. Ramaekers highlighted an ethical element. “The top priority now is to give vaccines to countries where vaccination operations are less advanced. We have already given approximately three million doses of COVAX and there will be more. “
Finally, he stresses that the administration of a third dose is not an ad hoc solution to stop the rising curve of the pandemic in Flanders. “Why not consider simple measures that have already proven their worth, such as the mouth mask and the Covid Safe Ticket”?