More EU countries consider second booster jab amid virus resurgence

LJUBLJANA－Slovenia has authorized the second COVID-19 vaccination booster shot to all adults after the number of new daily infections reached the highest level since spring, said the National Institute of Public Health on Tuesday.

The country reported 2,764 new infections on Monday, the highest level since April 4.

"The second booster shot is mainly recommended for people with a higher risk of a more difficult course of COVID-19 ... but can be given to anyone aged 18 or above," the institute stated on its website.

So far, 58 percent of Slovenians, or 2.1 million people, have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Slovenia lifted all COVID-19 preventive measures at the end of May after the number of daily cases started to go down from the all-time high of 24,258 cases reported on Feb 1.

The government is not planning to introduce any new restrictive measures for the time being, but recommends vaccination.

Health authorities in Lithuania also announced on Tuesday that the second booster jab will be available from Aug 1 to people who are at increased risk for severe disease. People over the age of 60 and those suffering from chronic diseases will be offered the second booster if their health condition increases the likelihood of serious illness after consultation with their family doctor.

Finland and Denmark have also recommended a fourth vaccine dose amid surging COVID-19 infections.

In the past week, close to 3 million new COVID-19 cases were reported in the European region, accounting for nearly half of all new cases globally, the World Health Organization said on Tuesday.

Romanian Health Minister Alexandru Rafila said the health system must be prepared for a sixth wave of the pandemic by autumn.

"We must be prepared to respond to the challenges of this sixth wave, generated by more transmissible variants," he said during a public debate on Tuesday.

Romania reported 7,658 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with 4,370 the previous day. This is the highest number of cases the eastern European country has since March 9, when the authorities ceased all pandemic prevention and control measures.

"We estimate further growth, probably in mid-August, and this must be met with a well-prepared health system and outpatient sections that are able to handle patients with mild or moderate symptoms," Rafila said.

At present, people must cover their nose and mouth when entering health facilities. Rafila advised people to wear masks in all closed places and on public transportation.

"Obviously, if the situation poses a risk to the health system ... the Romanian government will take any measures it deems necessary under the circumstances," he said.

Romania has so far reported 2,974,880 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 65,824 related deaths since the pandemic first hit the country in early 2020.

Xinhua