Another round of Covid-19 vaccinations will in Flanders start in mid-September. Getting a booster jab is strongly recommended for high-risk groups but they are also available to others who wish.
Last week, the Superior Health Council published its official opinion on the target groups to be vaccinated against Covid-19. On Wednesday, the Interministerial Conference (IMC) on Public Health discussed it and decided to follow the advice.
"The coronavirus is well under control today. Nevertheless, it remains important to protect the most vulnerable people from Covid-19," said Flemish Health Minister Hilde Crevits in a press release. "Therefore, in line with the advice of the Superior Health Council, we have decided to recommend the vaccine for them."
Vaccination will be possible from mid-September so that adequate protection can be provided before the autumn, she said. "We also offer the opportunity for the rest of the population to get vaccinated, if they want to."
Only recommended for risk groups
This means that a fresh Covid-19 booster dose is recommended for risk groups: over-65s, people in long-term care, those with previously diagnosed comorbidities, those with weakened resistance, pregnant women and all staff working in the care sector.
In total, this concerns about two million priority persons for who a new vaccine shot is recommended. For others, such as under-65s without underlying diseases, vaccination is not specifically recommended but still possible.
But Flanders will not reopen large vaccination centres, nor will it send out invitations for people to get their shots. Locally however, GPs may decide to send information to patients.
Vaccines will be administered between mid-September and early November this year through the primary care circuit: GPs, pharmacists, home nurses, occupational physicians and the coordinating advisory physicians in residential care centres.
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First come the residents of residential care centres and the most vulnerable who made their own appointment with their GP or pharmacist, followed by the other priority target groups. As soon as a vaccine adapted to the current virus variant becomes available, the latest vaccine will be used.
Those who want to can, in consultation with their doctor, also opt to receive the flu vaccine – which will likely be available from October – at the same time.
