Testing and vaccination strategySaliva antigen tests could potentially be used in retirement and nursing homes

RTL Today
In her reply to a parliamentary question by MPs Martine Hansen and Claude Wiseler from the Christian Social People's Party (CSV), Minister of Health Paulette Lenert explained that saliva antigen tests are indeed a valid alternative to "standard" Covid-19 tests in retirement and nursing homes.
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However, they should be used alongside PCR tests, as the latter are still regarded as the most reliable. There are also plans to use saliva PCR tests in homes for the elderly in order to simplify the testing process.

The National Health Laboratory (LNS) is currently checking a number of different types of Covid-19 tests. The sensitivity as well as the price of the tests are among the determining factors that decide whether or not the tests will actually be used.

Authorised vaccines

Regarding vaccines, Luxembourg is currently using products from three producers (BioNTech/Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca). So far, Russia and China have not applied for an authorisation of their respective vaccines with the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Lenert confirmed, however, that if the EMA were to authorise the use of these vaccines, Luxembourg could participate in placing a European order.

The topic of vaccines was brought up in a separate parliamentary question by CSV MPs Jean-Marie Halsdorf and Laurent Mosar.

PDF: Parliamentary question and answer [LUX]

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