Germany to offer booster doses against COVID-19 starting in September

In a statement, the health ministers of Germany's 16 states said that it would commence inoculating booster shots against coronavirus to its 'vulnerable citizens' such as pensioners and those who are immunocompromised in Septembers. They further agreed to make the doses available for all children between the ages group of 12 and 17. 
Confirming the discourse with the federal health minister Jens Spahn, the citizens will be inoculated with mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTecha in Moderna irrespective of the vaccinations they had originally been administered. 

This new rule is being introduced amid speculations of the country imposing curbs and lockdowns due to the rising cases of COVID-19's Delta variant. To keep the fourth wave at bay, the 16 states who manage their own health affairs are keen on administering more vaccines to the people. The ministers further pointed out that vaccinated children between 12 and 17 is voluntary and will only be proceeded after parental consent. A medical check-up will be provided that would negate any serious health risk. 

Over 52 per cent of the population have been fully vaccinated, and nearly 62 per cent have at least received one shot. In May, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the country would begin offering vaccine jabs to children aged over 12 from June onwards. She had urged parents to be patient and stated that not all parents would get an appointment. 
Meanwhile, Canada and the US have already started giving vaccination doses to children over 12 years of age.

• Germany
• COVID-19
• Coronavirus