Even better adapted

New mRNA vaccine arrives in Austria

The new vaccine can already be administered from next week.

(Bild: P. Huber)

The first delivery of around 190,000 doses of the new coronavirus vaccine Comirnaty KP.2 (from BioNTech/Pfizer) arrives in Austria on Tuesday. This is even better adapted to the current virus variants and can be ordered via the eShop of Bundesbeschaffung GmbH.

Deliveries to surgeries and other vaccination centers in the federal states will start this week. Vaccinations will therefore be possible as early as next week, according to the Ministry of Health. Around 250,000 doses of the Comirnaty JN.1 vaccine are still available.

Vaccination recommendation primarily for one group
The two substances are very similar and would significantly reduce the risk of severe illness with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Around 150,000 coronavirus vaccinations have been administered in Austria since the end of July. The National Vaccination Committee recommends that all people over 60 and people at risk, as well as medical healthcare staff, receive an annual booster.

Wave of infections slowly flattening out again
After a sharp rise in recent weeks, a slight decline in infections can currently be observed. Overall, the viral load in wastewater is currently at the same level as last November. Around 700 people are being treated in hospitals - slightly more than at the same time last year. Admissions to intensive care units have been in the low double-digit range in recent weeks.

Health Minister Johannes Rauch (Greens) appealed to people to take advantage of the free vaccination as soon as possible: "Vaccination protects! Not only does it significantly reduce the risk of serious illness, the vaccination also lowers the risk of Long Covid."