Hansen explained that it was important that the vaccines had been ordered through the European Union. Luxembourg alone would not have obtained vaccines quickly enough. At the moment the problem is not that Luxembourg cannot distribute enough doses, but that the pharmaceutical companies cannot produce and deliver fast enough.
The Green Party MP defended Luxembourg’s approach to vaccination. Health and personal care workers should be vaccinated first. Afterwards, the only option is to proceed in stages depending on the quantity of vaccine available.
Hansen cannot understand why certain people are reluctant to receive the vaccine. To date, Hansen stressed, no alarming side effects have been reported. The MP deplored the misinformation that gave rise to fear, particularly the false information spread on the internet.
In any case, the current information campaign is insufficient, according to the politician. Luxembourg should do more in this regard. Health professionals could play the role of mediator. Hansen was surprised that health and personal care staff have been reluctant to sign up for vaccinations. In fact, only a third of those contacted made an appointment. But according to Hansen these figures should be put into perspective, because the willingness seems to be there all the same. There could have been technical difficulties, Hansen suggested.
Luxembourg is at the beginning of its vaccination campaign. There are a few “mishaps”, but these problems will be resolved, he says. Regarding vaccinations in pharmacies, Hansen, a trained pharmacist himself, explained that in order to do so, pharmacists would first have to be trained and pharmacies structurally adapted. Currently, this is not on the agenda in Luxembourg.
Hansen also advocates the wider use of rapid tests. With regard to antibody-based coronavirus medicines, the Grand Duchy should wait for the opinion of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), he added.
Pharmacies also notice the impact of the pandemic on the population’s mental health. Customers increasingly ask questions regarding this specific issue. Hansen does not have concrete figures, but according to the MP there is a trend towards greater use of stress medication.
The good news is that colds and the seasonal flu circulate less than in other years, thanks to social distancing measures, Hansen concluded.
