BERLIN (dpa-AFX) – Doctor President Klaus Reinhardt is calling on the federal and state governments to plan the corona strategy in good time in autumn, with a special focus on children and young people. “Time is of the essence,” said the head of the Federal Chamber of Physicians of the German Press Agency. “By the next prime ministers’ conference on June 2nd, the course must be set for the safe operation of schools and day-care centers.” Children would have endured protective measures like hardly any other population group and made a large solidarity contribution. “We have an obligation to give something back to the children now.”
The effects of the Corona crisis on children and young people are a main topic of the German Doctors’ Day, which begins this Tuesday in Bremen. “Corona infections are almost always very mild in young people,” explained Reinhardt. However, the medical profession pointed out early on the collateral damage of the corona containment measures for children such as social isolation, lack of exercise, educational deficits or violence at home. A large number of studies prove a significant increase in mental disorders or the loss of quality of life among young people. “The education and development opportunities of an entire generation are at stake here.”
At the Doctors’ Day, there should be intensive discussions with experts on how to contain the negative psychosocial consequences of the pandemic for adolescents. Schools and day-care centers have a crucial role to play, said Reinhardt. “If you believe the promises made by politicians, everything should be done to prevent renewed widespread closures.” A pandemic master plan announced by Federal Minister of Health Karl Lauterbach (SPD) for the autumn is therefore eagerly awaited. “Here the children must not be forgotten again.”
The medical president emphasized that the highest possible vaccination rate is still essential for an effective corona strategy. “We shouldn’t be having yesterday’s debates anymore and lamenting about the failure of compulsory vaccination.” Everything must now be done to further increase the vaccination rate. Vaccines are the most effective tool for protection against severe corona courses and for a return to pre-pandemic normality. That must be made even more understandable to people.
“The previous vaccination campaigns were half-hearted and uninspired. There is still a lot of room for improvement,” said Reinhardt. “I would like to see a courageous, multimedia campaign from the Federal Center for Health Education that people will discuss in the subway or at the dinner table.” Every vaccination counts, especially with a view to autumn and winter. One could also consider material vaccination incentives that are interesting for different target groups. “In any case, we won’t get any further with conventional campaigns.”/sam/DP/jha