Brussels residents from 80 years old are now officially being invited to get a fourth vaccine dose – or second booster – against Covid-19, the regional health authorities announced in a press release on Wednesday.
Following weeks of offering the possibility of a second booster without advertising it, the Brussels health authorities have started officially sending invites to over-80s living in the Capital Region as the number of Covid cases and hospitalisations began rising strongly.
"In the current epidemiological context, it remains important that vulnerable people remain fully protected against severe forms of Covid-19," the Brussels' Joint Community Commission said.
"Therefore, it is recommended that they complete their vaccination schedule," the authorities said, adding that vulnerable people are also advised to continue to wear an FFP2 mask when coming into contact with multiple people, such as on public transport.
Available to anyone over 18
From now on, Brussels residents over 80 years old (born from 1942) are being invited to get a second booster dose of a Covid-19 vaccine in July.
The residents of rest homes and rest and care homes will be informed of this possibility by the institution where they stay. People with lowered immunity, too, were invited for a booster dose, if they had not already received one.
While official invitations are being sent to over-80s and people with reduced immunity, anyone over the age of 18 is free to get an extra dose at one of the Brussels vaccination centres (Molenbeek or Pacheco), the doctor or the pharmacist.
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Recent scientific studies show that the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines decreases over time, especially in the most vulnerable people. A booster dose, however, brings that protection back up to 87% against severe forms of Covid-19 that require hospitalisation. An extra booster dose (which, for many, is their fourth dose) will further enhance this protection.
After the summer, the Brussels health authorities will again offer booster doses. In the first instance, they will be made available for high-risk groups (people over 65 years old and people with reduced immunity), followed by healthcare staff and people between 50 and 64 years old.
