Recommendations for revaccination and third dose of vaccine

(Patria) - The Expert Advisory Body for Immunization of the Federal Ministry of Health has issued recommendations for revaccination (booster) against COVID-19.

European countries are recording an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, as well as an increase in hospitalization rates, caused by the spread of the Omicron variant. Vaccines continue to prevent severe forms of the disease and fatal outcomes, and data show that the number of hospitalizations and deaths is lowest in those countries with the highest vaccination rates. The Expert Advisory Body for Immunization continues to call on citizens to get vaccinated. In response to the increased risk posed by the Omicron variant in the early months of 2022, with available data on safety and efficacy, the Expert Advisory Body for Immunization recommends:

- For individuals aged 18 and older, revaccination can be offered no earlier than 3 months after completing primary vaccination (with the same or a different type of vaccine).

- For individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, revaccination can be offered no earlier than 6 months (with the same or a different type of vaccine).

- Priority for revaccination is given to the elderly and individuals belonging to risk groups (with chronic diseases and conditions, as defined in previous recommendations).

- For individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 and received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and six months have passed since receiving the vaccine, it is recommended to offer a second dose of the vaccine (with the same or a different type of vaccine).