There is currently 'no reason' for a third vaccination dose, says Dr Gérard Schockmel

Dr Gérard Schockmel, infectious disease expert at Hôpitaux Robert Schuman, stated during an interview on RTL Radio on Wednesday morning that he currently does not see "a general reason" for a third vaccination against Covid-19, not even in light of the Delta variant.

A third jab would only make sense for people showing an unfavourable response to the vaccine, or those considered vulnerable, Dr Schockmel stated. Giving a second shot to people who were vaccinated with a single-dose vaccine, such as the product from Johnson&Johnson, would "also make sense", he added.

Dr Schockmel explained that a two-dose vaccine grants a protection against a "severe" infection with Covid-19, which lasts for several years. The question is, how much protection do we need, the infectious disease expert continued, pointing out that so far, no one "has made a fuss" when they contracted a slight cold.

Making sure that other countries in the world are finally able to properly launch their vaccination campaigns should be another priority, Dr Schockmel stressed, adding that western countries have "a responsibility" regarding that matter.

When asked about vaccinations of children and adolescents, Dr Schockmel stated that there is a general consensus that vaccinating young people over the age of 12 is "right", if only to allow adolescents to live their lives "normally". A myocardial disease as a rare side effect is something that all viral diseases have in common, the infectious disease expert explained, adding that for young people, it usually disappears without consequences after a few days of rest. An unvaccinated teenager, on the other hand, has a much higher likelihood of being infected, and if that happens, the chances of coming down with myocardial disease are much higher.

It is a different story for children under the age of 12, however, Dr Schockmel continued. Covid-19 is not a children's disease, and an infection is in most cases completely harmless. Vaccination should only be considered for vulnerable children, according to the infectious disease expert.

Dr Schockmel rejects the argument that children should be vaccinated in order to protect adults, pointing out that adults have the option to get vaccinated themselves after all.

Dr Schockmel expects infections to rise again in autumn. However, people should not be too worried about it, he explained, as the rise will mainly affect young people who will not be at risk of experiencing a severe course of the disease. As such, Dr Schockmel does not expect hospitals to be overwhelmed.

According to the infectious disease expert, it is very likely that the coronavirus is here to stay. However, once a majority of the population has built up an immunity against the virus, it will no longer be a threat. Society should nevertheless continue to take particular care of its most vulnerable members, Dr Schockmel concluded.