Many countries are currently deciding whether to give a third vaccine jab to help fight variants. Israel has already begun, Germany and France are expected to start in September. What's the situation in Luxembourg?

To fight the more contagious Delta variant, many countries are currently considering the issue of a third vaccine dose. Another issue is immunity in general, which decreases over time, as some research labs report.

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla announced in April that a third dose would be necessary six months to a year after the initial two. An annual booster could be the solution to maintain immunity against the virus, he said. Moderna, too, confirmed that an additional dose and regular boosters would offer better protection, notably against variants.

The WHO, on the other hand, estimates that there is currently no scientific proof suggesting that a third jab is needed. They point out that many people worldwide have not even had their first jab and denounce countries wishing to hog precious resources for third doses.

A THIRD DOSE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS

Some countries have started administering third doses. Luxembourg began on 9 July, specifically for immunosuppressed people, as recommended by the Superior Council of Infectious Diseases. This includes transplant recipients or patients receiving chemotherapy. The same has been true in France since 11 April and Israel since 12 July.

These two countries have also chosen to launch a third vaccination phase for those who were vaccinated early on. In Israel, this affects people over 60 who received their first dose over 6 months ago. France intends to start in September for people vaccinated in January and February.

Germany is planning to give a booster to old and vulnerable people from 1 September. In the UK, 32 million people could get a third jab from 6 September, reports the Telegraph.

NO CHANGE FOR NOW

A similar large campaign is not currently planned in Luxembourg, according to the Ministry for Health. They state, however, that they are paying "particular attention to increased monitoring of the safety and efficiency of Covid-19 vaccines through the national notification system."

As the situation evolves and further research comes out, a third dose may be considered. In the meantime, the current campaign to give everyone their initial two doses continues.