Anticipated Widespread Vaccinations to Occur "No Later Than Summer" (According to Spahn)

In the ongoing battle against the coronavirus, Germany's Health Minister Jens Spahn has been at the forefront, balancing ethical principles with practicability in determining the priority of vaccinations.

As the race for a vaccine heats up, Spahn emphasises that the approval process should not be a competition, but a thorough one that adheres to necessary standards. He reiterates this stance, stating that the process should be completed as quickly as possible, without compromising on quality.

The minister has expressed optimism about the foreseeable future, expecting the European approval process for a coronavirus vaccine to be completed soon. As for the vaccine candidates, Spahn mentions five that "with a certain probability" could be approved by mid-year: Biontech, Moderna, Curevac, Astra Zeneca, and Johnson & Johnson.

In terms of distribution, Spahn anticipates mass vaccinations against the coronavirus at the latest in summer 2021. The question of who will be vaccinated first will be clarified in the coming weeks based on expert recommendations. However, the exact timing for the publication of these recommendations regarding the prioritisation of vaccination remains uncertain.

Looking ahead to the holiday season, Spahn has not ruled out stricter contact restrictions before Christmas, but the number of people with the coronavirus over Christmas will be determined in the coming week. By the end of March, eleven million doses from Biontech are realistic for Germany.

Spahn has also addressed the question of his political future, expressing openness to working under a Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Despite this, he maintains that his country and party are important to him, and he does not intend to sulk in a corner.

Throughout this challenging time, the safety of the vaccine remains a top priority for the minister. He reaffirms the people's right to rely on the safety of the vaccine, ensuring that all necessary measures are taken to ensure its efficacy and safety.