Reinhard Berner, Chairman of the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current vaccination coverage rates across Germany. Speaking to RTL’s “Nachtjournal Spezial,” he stated that the low uptake is deeply worrying, particularly among groups most at risk of severe illness.
He noted that the rates are alarmingly low among older people and those with chronic health conditions. Furthermore, for children and adolescents who are recommended to be vaccinated, coverage sometimes falls below ten percent. Berner urgently called on the elderly and chronically ill to ensure they receive vaccinations against both influenza and coronavirus, adding that a flu shot is still advisable this November.
Berner identified logistical and forgetfulness as primary obstacles, believing that many people simply forget to get vaccinated or find the process too complicated. He suggested that the implementation of a digital vaccine passport with built-in reminders could effectively assist in solving this issue, mentioning that Austria is already utilizing such a service. He also highlighted that existing initiatives, such as the vaccination action week and the special “Night of Vaccination” event on November 12, should be used to raise public awareness about the importance of protection.
Turning to measles, Berner issued a warning about the potential consequences of inadequate vaccination rates. He cautioned that severe illnesses and deaths caused by outbreaks are a real possibility within Germany. To maintain sufficient herd immunity, he emphasized that vaccination rates must reach above 95 percent.
Finally, Mr. Berner strongly refuted any claims regarding potential vaccine damage, stating there is no evidence whatsoever linking vaccines to conditions such as autism or psychological disorders. He insisted that these questions have been “tested hundreds of thousands of times, millions of times.”
