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Before a joint digital conference with the Biontech company, Angela Merkel praised the researchers’ work on a coronavirus vaccine. The young company “quickly became the center of global attention” and has assumed great responsibility. She is “very proud” that Germany has such researchers.
It is a success for researchers that a vaccine has come to market so quickly. “If we see how many people die from Corona, then you can see how many lives the vaccine can save,” Merkel said.
Corona vaccines are expected to start in Germany on December 27. Until then, approval and delivery of the vaccine is expected by Biontech and its US partner Pfizer. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) plans to give the green light to the Biontech / Pfizer vaccine next Monday, eight days ahead of schedule.
The founder of Biontech, Uğur Şahin, thanked him for “the great trust and support”; specifically, he mentioned funding for basic research and business start-ups. Özlem Türeci, also the founder of Biontech and Şahin’s wife, said that the company’s employees had worked nights and postponed vacations for months due to the development of the vaccine. The work will continue through Christmas. According to Türeci, the decision to commit to developing the vaccine was made on January 24.
Spahn: “Vaccination is the way out of this crisis”
Health Minister Jens Spahn emphasized before the joint conference: “Vaccination is the way out of this crisis.” Tomorrow he will sign the vaccination ordinance. First, people over the age of 80 would be vaccinated, as well as people living in nursing homes. “Everyone else will be informed when it is their turn, when it is their turn,” Spahn said. “A vaccine made in Mainz, made in Germany” is a source of confidence.
There is not only a scientific spirit behind vaccination, but also considerable logistical challenges that must now be overcome.
Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek said that between 60 and 70 percent of people would have to be vaccinated for the pandemic to stop. The most important thing for her is the confidence of citizens that the vaccine is safe. Addressing the Biontech researchers, he said: “They have managed to develop a vaccine in a very, very short time.” This is also due to the long experience of the researchers.
