Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD), unlike the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), is in favor of a fourth corona vaccination for all age groups. This initiative has been criticized from many quarters. So far, Stiko has only recommended a fourth vaccination for people aged 70 and over and risk groups.
Of the Head of the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Andreas Gassen, said the “Rheinische Post” that vaccination recommendations “must be made dependent on the scientific study situation, not on political or personal ideals or on vaccine availability”. Of the health policy spokesman for the FDP parliamentary group, Andrew Ullmanntold the “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” that Stiko should be allowed to act independently of politics. Kathrin Vogler, health policy spokeswoman for the Left Groupcriticized: “It cannot be the task of the Minister of Health – no matter how high his scientific expertise may be – to counteract the recommendations of the responsible scientific committee.”