As the number of Covid-19 infections is expected to rise again in the coming autumn and winter months, Belgium is starting its latest vaccination campaign on Friday.
The campaign is aimed at giving another booster shot to people in high-risk groups, such as those over 65, pregnant women, people with an underlying condition, those suffering from obesity, a weakened immune system or people working in healthcare. In total, this amounts to around two million people.
Residents and employees of residential care centres and care homes will be able to get their vaccines via the institutions. For the other groups, several cities (such as Antwerp) are organising a central vaccination point.
People can also make an appointment at a pharmacy near them (online) or with their GP, but doctors' association Domus Medica asked people to be patient and not call immediately for an appointment but to wait for information from their doctor first.
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People will likely receive the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, which specifically targets the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant. More information about the different vaccines can be found here.
The authorities stated that while the vaccine is available for all age groups, it is not necessary for people who are not part of a risk group to get another dose.
