Adapted corona vaccine often makes sense
As COVID-19 regularly develops new virus variants, the coronavirus vaccines need to be adapted each time. After successful adaptation, these can now be used for booster vaccinations. Here you will find answers to all important questions on this topic.
Content
The new vaccine against the current Omikron variant
Corona booster vaccination - what the STIKO says
Who should be vaccinated again against coronavirus?
The new vaccine against the current Omikron variant
Coronavirus infections usually increase during the typical cold season. In Germany, the Omikron variant has dominated since mid-June 2022 and has almost completely replaced other virus variants.
The current Omikron variant is called JN.1. Its subtype KP.3.1.1 predominates and is responsible for most new infections. A new BioNTech vaccine has been developed for this Omikron variant and also protects against its sub-variants. “Comirnaty JN.1” has been available in Germany since August 2024. Three other vaccines have also been approved in Europe: Spikevax from Moderna, also an mRNA vaccine like the one from BioNTech, Nuvaxovid from Novavax and Birmervax from Hipra, both of which are protein-based.
As these were merely variations of already approved vaccines - namely “Comirnaty®” and “Spikevax®” - no completely new approval was necessary. The amount of mRNA and all other components of the original vaccines remained the same. Only the composition of the mRNA was adjusted [1]:
In a way, this is killing two birds with one stone. This is because the new vaccine variants contain both the mRNA of the original variant of the coronavirus and the mRNA of the Omikron variant [1].
Other Omikron subtypes or completely new virus variants could also develop in the near future. On average, the data so far indicate milder courses than in the first coronavirus years, but hospitalizations may still occur, especially in the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions.
Side effects
All corona vaccines approved in Germany have been extensively tested in high-quality vaccination studies.
The composition of the vaccine for boosters remains largely unchanged. On the one hand, this type of procedure enables a significantly faster response to new virus variants and, on the other hand, is still considered to be tried and tested. It works in a similar way year after year when adapting the flu vaccines [1].
In this way, the population can be effectively protected against new virus variants. The side effects of the adapted vaccines remain largely unchanged.
Does the new vaccine work for long COVID?
According to the Robert Koch Institute, this question has not yet been clearly clarified scientifically. [2]
The most common persistent symptoms after a corona infection include fatigue, memory problems, shortness of breath, chest pain, cough and cognitive deficits [3].
However, there are still no significant new findings for the Omikron variant that go beyond what is known about Long COVID after infections with the previous coronavirus variants. [4]
A booster vaccination is advisable for many
People with a booster vaccination have a higher level of protection against the Omikron vaccine. They are therefore less likely to develop symptoms in the event of an Omikron infection. However, the role of booster vaccination is even more significant with regard to severe disease progression [5].
In studies, the third dose of vaccine led to a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalization due to an Omikron infection that lasted for 10 weeks. While the effectiveness of the vaccine in this respect was only 64% in those vaccinated twice, it rose to 92% in those vaccinated three times [5].
Similar results can be expected for further booster vaccinations with adapted vaccines. Vaccination is therefore still worthwhile for many people.
Corona booster vaccination - what the STIKO says
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) at the Robert Koch Institute issues vaccination recommendations based on data on the effectiveness and safety of the vaccines. It points out which groups of people should receive an annual COVID-19 booster vaccination in the fall in addition to basic immunity. [6]
As the majority of the population in Germany has acquired immune protection through vaccination and illness, infections with the currently circulating variants are predominantly mild, although the risk of severe COVID-19 courses continues to increase with age. [7]
What should you get vaccinated with?
The original coronavirus vaccines will continue to be used for basic immunization. All new, adapted preparations are therefore only used for booster vaccination.
Who should be revaccinated against coronavirus?
Healthy people who have already received at least three doses of the vaccine are still well protected against severe cases of COVID-19. A further booster vaccination is therefore not currently recommended for this group.
In addition to basic immunity, the following groups of people should receive an annual vaccination with an mRNA or protein-based vaccine in the fall
Booster vaccination from age 60
This group is advised to receive a booster vaccination. This applies in particular to the very elderly.
The treating physicians can provide advice in a consultation based on the current state of health [8].
Vaccination for people with pre-existing conditions
The same applies to particularly vulnerable groups of people. In addition to the very elderly mentioned above, these include people in need of care and people with immunodeficiency
(e.g. COPD, diabetes mellitus, chronic cardiovascular, liver and kidney diseases).
Vaccination for certain occupational groups
A further booster vaccination is also advisable for certain occupational groups. These include people of all ages with an increased work-related risk of infection in medical and/or nursing care with direct contact to patients or residents.
When should you get vaccinated?
For the groups mentioned above, the medical consultation should be held as soon as possible so that the booster vaccination can be carried out soon if indicated [8].
Where can you get vaccinated?
Booster vaccinations can be carried out by the general practitioner treating you.
Register and digitize vaccination
As with all vaccinations, it is important to document the vaccination in the vaccination record. You can find all the important information about this on our Corona vaccination record page.
Data plays a central role in the coronavirus pandemic. It was the only way we were able to develop vaccines in record time. The use of data from clinical trials and the analysis of patient data made it possible to develop treatments and share data worldwide. COVID-19 has been and continues to be successfully combated in this way.
At Data4Life, we develop digital solutions that make health data researchable and promote evidence-based medicine.
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The contents of this article reflect the current scientific status at the time of publication and were written to the best of our knowledge and belief. However, the article cannot replace medical advice and diagnosis. If you have any questions, please contact your general practitioner.
The contents of this article reflect the current scientific status at the time of publication and were written to the best of our knowledge. Nevertheless, the article does not replace medical advice and diagnosis. If you have any questions, consult your general practitioner.
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