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Fight against Corona What speaks for and against child vaccinations

Status: 06/22/2021 8:57 a.m.

The debate about whether children should be vaccinated against Corona is in full swing. Companies are pressing ahead with their studies for the approval of a vaccine for young children as well. What is the current state of research?

From Axel John, SWR

Just a few steps from the magnificent Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin is the rather inconspicuous Hausvogteiplatz. But what is sensational is what happens there in a sober office building. The Association of Research-Based Drug Manufacturers (VfA) has its headquarters here. The experts maintain contact with pharmaceutical companies all over the world – also when it comes to corona vaccine research, which is still under high pressure.

Particularly strict requirements for tests with minors

A team of specialists is constantly collecting the latest data from all over the world. Rolf Hömke is also there. The biochemist is an expert in research and drug safety. “When developing a new drug, it is standard that the preparation is initially only tested on adults. If these results are correspondingly good, studies with minors follow.” However, a prerequisite is a medical benefit in children and adolescents. Hömke gives an example: “A new antibiotic, for example, is also needed for children – but a preparation against prostate cancer is not.” Even higher requirements would apply to the tests in order to avoid stress in young people as far as possible. Both parents must have agreed together. The conditions also demanded that the children also say yes as soon as possible. “Money cannot be earned with such participation. The test subjects receive an expense allowance. The participants are mostly idealists or sick people who hope for an effective treatment.”

Intermediate results of the vaccine test series for children under twelve years of age BioNTech / Pfizer started a study in March 2021 with children aged six months and younger than twelve years. In the first phase, a small number of minors initially received different doses. In the current phase II, around 4500 young people are to be tested for the effectiveness of the vaccine in more than 90 facilities in the USA, Finland, Poland and Spain. Here researchers analyze the respective immune response. Results could be available from September.

Moderna reported the start of the phase II / III study in March. More than 6,700 children between six months and under twelve years of age in the United States and Canada are expected to participate. Here, too, it was initially about the best dosage. The effectiveness is then checked in the further course.

With the vaccine from AstraZeneca investigations began at Oxford University in February. Several hundred young people and children between the ages of six and under 18 should take part. The study has been temporarily stopped by the British authorities after reports of very rare side effects with thrombosis.

Janssen / Johnson & Johnson started testing his vaccine with adolescents aged twelve and over in April 2021. If the interim results are good, younger test persons should join the group. However, this study is also currently on hold.

Sinovac has been testing its CoronaVac vaccine in China since the beginning of May. In phase II, minors between the ages of three and 17 are to be tested here.

Source: VfA

STIKO sees no rush

Professor Dr. Fred Zepp follows vaccine development with great interest. On the one hand, Zepp is a member of the Standing Vaccination Commission (STIKO). The committee drew up the recommendations for the sequence of corona vaccinations. Zepp was also director of the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine at the Mainz University Hospital for many years. He believes it is imperative that vaccines be developed for minors as well. This is particularly important for high-risk patients such as children with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases, emphasizes Zepp. “The mRNA vaccine process is an impressive development with excellent prospects. But we do not yet have any broad experience with children,” explains Zepp. For him it is important that the development of an adult’s organism is differentiated. The acute side effects can usually be recognized in the first twelve to 16 weeks. “With infants or children, on the other hand, I have an organism that is subject to constant development. That is why I say: We are currently under no time pressure in this group and should wait for further study results.” In addition, there are hardly any children in Europe who are seriously ill with Covid-19. Less than 80 children in Germany were being treated in an intensive care unit because of Corona. There have also been very few deaths that are even below the rate of flu. Zepp is also referring to a few cases in adolescents in the USA who developed heart muscle inflammation after the second vaccination with BioNTech. The authorities are currently investigating whether there is a connection. “The coronavirus will continue to change. I expect that the older population could also be affected here.”

“The pathogen spreads unhindered, especially in children”

In Munich, Matthias Kromayer leans over the latest results from corona vaccine research in children. The microbiologist recommends vaccinating minors according to the relevant studies and approvals – regardless of the vaccine. Kromayer works on the board of MIG AG. The company is currently investing in 30 start-ups. In 2008, BioNTech received a good 13 million euros as an initial investment from MIG.

For Kromayer, a vaccination rate of 70 to 80 percent in the population is the goal. “Then there is a good chance of paralyzing the spread of the virus and mutated variants. The pathogen spreads unhindered, especially in children. They are closer together and cannot yet adhere to the hygiene rules,” explains Kromayer. According to the Federal Statistical Office, there are more than 8.5 million people under the age of twelve in Germany. For Kromayer, this group is so large that it should not be ignored in the fight against pandemics. At the same time, children have a much stronger immune system that can deal with Corona much better. In this way, fewer pathogens would presumably be transmitted: “The vaccine side effects in children are likely to be very limited, but the resulting protection for other population groups is high. That should be weighed up.”

Politicians do not want to commit themselves yet

In Berlin, too, the Federal Ministry of Health has long since registered the emerging debate. Whether and to what extent children should also be vaccinated in the fight against Corona is still silent. Upon request, the press office simply declares: “The results of studies and possible approval by the European authorities remain to be seen.”

According to BioNTech / Pfizer, reliable results from the currently ongoing study series can be expected from September onwards. By then, at the latest, the discussion about the best vaccination strategy will really start

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Corona consequences for companies How much longer does the state have to help?

Status: 06/17/2021 10:18 a.m.

Today, the federal and state economics ministers are discussing how to proceed with corona aid for companies. Warnings against a permanent state economy are getting louder. But some industries are still deeply in crisis.

From Axel John, SWR

Tim Sandrock walks through the 3500 square meter hall of his event company. He points to huge loudspeakers, lighting systems or projectors that are piled up to the ceiling. “That would normally all be used outside in mid-June, at theater events, village festivals or music concerts”says Sandrock. “The camp could be swept through completely. We haven’t moved the technology for at least 15 months.”

He is one of the two managing directors of Flo-Service GmbH in Mainz. The company has 25 employees and six trainees. The company organizes up to 1500 events per year with a focus on the Rhine-Main area. “From the disco ball for the teenage party to the stage technology for a Sting concert, we cover everything”says Sandrock. Although the economy is taking off again across the country, Flo-Service still has few orders at major events due to the pandemic requirements. Most recently, among other things, the Oktoberfest was canceled. This sends a devastating signal to the industry.

Hope for further help

“We are broadly positioned and have thus been able to limit losses. The Federal Employment Agency helped us a lot through short-time work with around 31,000 euros per month. The bridging aids were also extremely important to us last year”says Sandrock. “However, our company has fixed costs of 150,000 euros every month.”

“I very much hope for further government aid” – Flo Service Managing Director Tim Sandrock. Image: Axel John, SWR

Flo-Service mainly draws on its operating reserves before Corona. In addition, there was a tough austerity course. Overall, sales have decreased by a good third. This means that Sandrock is still in a brilliant position in the industry. Other companies make a minus of 90 percent or are no longer there. “In the long run, of course, you can’t finance a company like ours. I therefore very much hope for further state aid”, he says. Cultural events have a pre-planning of three to nine months. In the uncertain Corona time, that’s half an eternity. “I am optimistic that the worst is behind us. But we still need support for a transition period. Otherwise all previous payments would be pointless”, says Sandrock.

Economics ministers discuss further aid

The federal and state economics ministers meet today in Düsseldorf – for the first time in attendance. One question is: what will happen next with the support for the economy? The bridging allowance and short-time work allowance were only recently extended to the end of September and even expanded. Now it is about a renewed extension until the end of the year.

The host of the meeting, the North Rhine-Westphalian Minister of Economic Affairs Andreas Pinkwart from the FDP, has already made a decision: “I am in favor of the aid being extended beyond the end of September until the end of the year”, he says. “Sectors such as the trade fair and event industry or the showmen will continue to suffer from a drop in sales in the fall. The Federal Ministry of Economics also sees it that way. I would also like to advocate this course at the federal government.”

NRW Minister of Economic Affairs Pinkwart is campaigning for a further extension of the corona aid. Image: dpa

North Rhine-Westphalia’s Minister of Economic Affairs also refers to legal constraints. “Unfortunately, to fight the pandemic, we had to restrict the freedom of trade. That is why the bridging aid is not subsidy, but compensation. Parts of the economy are only now gradually returning to normal”says Pinkwart. Now it is a matter of creating transitions for the companies concerned.

Share of businesses in need is falling

More and more companies seem to manage this transition. According to a study by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB), only eight percent of all companies saw their existence threatened by May. In April this value was still 13 percent. “The incidence values ​​are easing in many places, and at the same time private-sector companies in Germany are looking more optimistically into the future, “says IAB Director Bernd Fitzenberger. So far, the Federal Ministry of Economics has approved a total of more than 105 billion euros for the economy during the crisis. In addition, there is short-time work allowance of around 32.3 billion euros.

Criticism from economists

More and more economists are critical of the ongoing political assistance. Lars Feld is one of them. The 54-year-old economist is a proven regulatory politician, i.e. oriented towards the principles of market and competition. “The extension until the end of September is fine. But I do not believe in a renewed extension”, he says. “The upswing is in full swing. According to the Bundesbank, we will have growth of 3.7 percent in Germany this year. Next year it should be five percent. The need for an expansive fiscal policy that continues to be so strong is therefore decreasing.”

In addition, there are always deadweight effects at companies that find themselves in a difficult situation without this having anything to do with Corona. However, Feld limits his analysis with a view to the event industry. “If the state restricts certain companies in certain sectors of the constitutionally granted freedom of trade, then this must be compensated. But we will have to live with Corona in the long term. Therefore, I think it is questionable whether the events industry can continue as it did before the pandemic.”

Digital structural change also in the event area

Tim Sandrock in Mainz knows that too. In order to survive economically, Flo-Service had already digitized itself during the lockdown. “We have brought our analog offers into the digital space. Instead of a meeting with a projector, screen or interpreting service, we now also offer complete software solutions”says Sandrock. Corona has massively accelerated development. “There will be a growing digital share at events of all kinds in the future.”

In order not to complicate this structural change, Sandrock is also in favor of a foreseeable phase out of the aid. For the next few months, however, the company needs government aid again. If politicians decide in favor of renewed extension, Sandrock will submit an application. “But I am sure that the industry will recover quickly after Corona. I’m also counting on a catch-up effect. Man is a sociable being. That’s why we’ll be back.”

Contrary to the bustling atmosphere at the weekend, the streets of Ho Chi Minh City on May 30 were quieter after many Covid-19 cases in the community were announced. Many streets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City such as Dong Khoi, Le Duan, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Nguyen Du, Hai Ba Trung… were empty. Le Duan Street (District 1) The corners of the central streets of Ho Chi Minh City no longer have the vibrant rhythm of daily life Nguyen Hue pedestrian street (District 1) has been temporarily closed to prevent the Covid-19 epidemic. Nguyen Van Binh book street has also been closed, the entrances are all equipped with tables and chairs, flower beds, and barricades. The area in front of Notre Dame Cathedral on weekends is often crowded with people to visit, today also very few people. Turtle Lake is quiet, no longer the familiar image of students who come here every weekend. Many streets in the city are empty Nguyen Huu Canh Street, even at rush hour, is empty of traffic Cay Go overpass (District 6), an important intersection at the western gateway of Ho Chi Minh City, is no longer crowded as usual. Vo Van Kiet Boulevard is a lifeline of traffic, connecting the two ends of the Northeast – Southwest of the city, but there are few cars on weekends, a very rare image compared to weekdays. A restaurant on Nguyen Trai Street (District 1) only sells takeaways, and at the same time keeps a distance of 2 meters from customers according to the requirements of the authorities.

Lagerstroemia purple I’m not a fan of tombstones. This plant makes me feel dry and lifeless. Most of the year, they appear on the roadside, thin, dusty with a few leaves. However, I still have to admit that it is beautiful when the leaves are in bloom as well as the heart when this plant blooms. Among the summer flowers in Hanoi, Lang Lang is one of the earliest blooming species. In early May, in the midst of the hot and sweltering sun, purple flowers appeared, bloomed in clusters, dyed all the streets and street corners. The dreamy look of this plant is short-lived. After the rains, the flowers fade and gradually fall off. Red phoenix fills the sky Blooming a few days later than the mausoleum, the brilliant red color of the phoenix flower is no less competitive in attracting the eyes of passersby. In many streets and schools, phoenixes are burning the whole sky. In particular, in some places such as along the two sides of To Lich River (on the side of New Grapefruit Road) or Truc Bach Lake area, phoenix flowers are arranged in long rows, simultaneously blooming to create an eye-catching landscape. Flowers bloom is also when the students know it’s time to part. After the drumming of the last lesson, the white shirt and the tears, many people hurriedly picked up the pink phoenix wings and pressed them into their notebooks as if they wanted to hold back time. Canaries and scallops dyed in sunny yellow Not as poetic as the mausoleum or burning like the red phoenix, the canary and yellow scallops seem to blend in with the blazing summer sun. Most of the phalaenopsis trees in Hanoi are classified as ancient trees with tall stems and wide canopy, yellow flowers blooming prominently on green leaves. Meanwhile, the canary is slender, letting down the flower clusters to create a lovely look. Many trees when they are at their most brilliant make passersby only see a shiny yellow color. ‘Nearly mud that does not stink of mud’ Among the flowers of summer, the lotus is the one that blooms most persistently. Lotus has many types, each type has a different blooming time. However, the lotus season usually starts in mid-May and ends in early September. In Hanoi, if you want to see this flower, besides West Lake, you can go to some spots such as Xuan Dinh lotus pond, lagoon. Lotus pond in Quan Son, Lotus lagoon in Nam Hong, Bat Trang lotus pond, Ninh Xa lotus pond or lotus pond in Duong Lam ancient village.

The beach in Son Tra district, Da Nang city this morning was empty of people swimming and playing after the City People’s Committee directed the suspension of non-essential activities to prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic, including bathing activities. sea. Right in the night of the 3rd and early morning of the 4th, the entire sea route in Da Nang was stretched by the local functional forces, and arranged guard forces to remind people not to go to the sea. The 5K message in the prevention and control of COVID-19 is placed along the coastal route of Da Nang. On the afternoon of May 3, Da Nang City had a positive case of COVID-19 in the community. The patient is Mr. NTN (male, 28 years old, from Hoi An, Quang Nam province) – a ticket salesman at the spa area at PA hotel, 2-9 street, Hai Chau district, Da Nang city. Currently, Mr. NTN has been isolated and treated at Da Nang Lung Hospital. East Sea Park, which is crowded with people exercising, walking and bathing every morning, is now deserted after a ban on swimming by the local government. The beaches and freshwater bathing areas have been carefully roped and fenced. Local functional forces are arranged along the beaches to promptly remind people and tourists. Da Nang beaches were deserted and uninhabited on the first day of stopping swimming activities. The ideal places to check-in and watch the sea in Da Nang, which attracts tourists, are now empty. Beaches and sidewalks without people According to the force on duty, the people of Da Nang strictly obey the request to stop swimming in the sea. The image of Da Nang beach is crowded with people and tourists bathing during the April 30 holiday. And the image is deserted after a ban on swimming in the sea to prevent COVID-19 was issued. Tourists coming to Da Nang for the holidays are less than 50% of the expected time The number of visitors decreased due to an increase in booking cancellations after the news that a community infection in Ha Nam was isolated in Da Nang. The above information was announced by the Da Nang Department of Tourism on May 4, after the end of a long holiday on April 30 to May 1. According to the Department of Tourism, due to the occurrence of infections in the community in some provinces, it has greatly affected the psychology of tourists, from which customers cancel the service. The total number of visitors and tourists in Da Nang during the holiday was only about 74.6 thousand (down more than 42% compared to the pre-holiday estimate), of which mainly domestic tourists. Concerned about the epidemic, the number of tourists coming to Da Nang for the holidays is less than 50% of the expected. Photo: Thanh Tran On this occasion, domestic tourists exploited by travel agencies about 8,000, also reduced by 50% compared to the expected. The Department of Tourism further informed that the cancellation of bookings increased after the news that a community infection in Ha Nam was isolated in Da Nang. At the same time, in part, major events and festivals in the city were halted. The number of guests staying at the accommodation facilities decreased by 30%, the total number of visitors to tourist areas and attractions decreased by nearly 50 compared to the expected number. Currently, Da Nang has had a case of COVID-19 infection in the community, the city has requested to stop non-essential activities to prevent the epidemic. Including swimming.

All areas down to the sea and beaches have been cordoned off by functional forces and suspended from 0:00 on 4-5. Reported by the reporter, from the evening of the 3rd to the 4th of May, at places such as the beach, amusement parks, entertainment areas, etc., functional forces have carried out ropes and informed people about the temporary closure. Closed to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic Along the beaches of Hoang Sa, Vo Nguyen Giap, Nguyen Tat Thanh, and My Khe streets, functional forces have stretched ropes, hung signs and reminded people to grasp and strictly follow the direction of the city. The beaches are empty of people and tourists. At Tien Son Sports Arena, Helio night market (Hai Chau district), units maintain guard duty, complying with the 5K message. Previously, on the afternoon of May 3, after recording a case of Covid-19 infection in the community, Da Nang City issued an urgent document to suspend non-essential activities to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic. Accordingly, from 0:00 on May 4, a number of activities will be temporarily suspended, specifically: cultural festivals, sports, religion, beliefs, worship, and art performance events. . Activities of non-essential business and service establishments at amusement parks, places of entertainment, beauty establishments, bars-pubs, discos, karaoke, massage, video games, cinemas, casino, public internet service point; walking street activities, night market. Organizing collective eating and drinking… gathering more than 30 people; Physical activity, sports, bodybuilding at the gym, yoga, billiards; indoor sports activities; sports activities, martial arts, swimming activities. All areas down to the sea and beaches have been cordoned off by functional forces and suspended from 0:00 on 4-5. Students and students across the city will be closed from May 4-5 until further notice, encouraging online teaching. The Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control of Da Nang City issued a Decision to apply isolation at the epidemic prevention and control accommodation for all people of Phu An Hotel (No. 48, 2-9 Hai Chau district, No. Da Nang City) to prevent the spread of Covid-19 disease. The application period is 14 days, from 3-5, and can be extended according to current regulations. Tien Son Sports Arena and Helio night market (Hai Chau district) this morning, 4-5.

The “hot spot” for shops on Kim Ma Street was very rare before, but now there are many options for tenants to choose from. The old owner has moved out, but the new owner is nowhere to be seen This used to be a very famous fashion clothing brand Barbecue shop at a prime location on Dao Tan Street is closed waiting for the day to come back Right next to it is another store that has been closed since the beginning of the year because of sluggish business A few shops on busy Nguyen Thai Hoc street have been closed for rent for a long time Some shops are still salvageable, besides the ones that have been dormant 2 years ago to rent a small shop in this section of Kim Ma street was extremely difficult, even with the price of several tens of millions of dong/month for an area of ​​only 20m2. But now, spoiled for choice, the problem is that the tenants are absent Occasionally, I come across a shop that is taking advantage of investment to catch up when the epidemic is over, many people are considered “reckless”. Stores that have been rented for many months in a row without customers Stores that have been rented for many months in a row without customers 2 years ago, it was almost impossible to want to rent a space like this The flower shop is liquidating the shelves after returning the premises Renting the whole house is not expensive The owner left the door mezzanine so that it wouldn’t be secret, and if anyone called to ask for a rental, it would be convenient to answer There are still some fashion shops that continue to overcome the epidemic, but customers are very rare The woman carrying the street vendors has the opportunity… to sit on the street, this opportunity was only available in Hanoi decades ago năm There are streets where the shops close close together like Tet holiday The security guard is “sleeping soundly” because his task is simply blocking the seat at the entrance

Illustration: vietnamtourism.gov.vn. Truong Son crossed a thousand icebergs Duplicate the curse san’s message
We return to the Central Highlands
The mountains are high and steep, this is mountainous region
Two long and sunny rainy seasons
The rain is pouring out in the sun, shining brightly
A three-zan red earth color
Black soil lush and fertile
Dak Nong downhill to play with
Mo Nong spreads out the immense sky The drifting clouds are momentum
The forest on the slope side
Lonely dawn valley
Suddenly heard the howling of ape Krong Ana Krong No deep green forest
The place where the parent river originates
Hugging the mountain forest flowing to Serre Pok
The river is proud of the long song Spectacular manly sunny and windy region
Mountains and mountains wandering together
The elephant chopping stubbornly stopped walking
Remember A Ma Cong immense heaven
.
Dak Nong pig attracts mountains and forests
Winding up the waterfall halfway up the peak
Horror that day stirred
The white demon army pulled in mourning hair The enemy came here to destroy the village
They kill old women, children and women
They disturbed the mountains and forests
They made the gods angry Brave chief of N’Trang Long
Listened to the divine call
Unite the beloved village of M’nong
Protect people in the Central Highlands The chiefs R’Dinh R’Ong was courageous
Team up with leader N’Trang Luong
The girls and boys in the mountains
Together unanimously kicked up Mo Nong Spirit proud soul of mountains and rivers
N’Trang Long children of mountains and forests
Plateau chiefs chiefs
The Mo Nong uprising was successful Here we come back windy Truong Son
With the Central Highlands, wonderful memories
Mountains and forests have been sheltered for many years
Resilient battle against America M’nong boys and girls S’Tieng
Help cadres cross the mountain ice
Quang Duc informs the legendary route
All over the village gongs rang happily Since then, Ho Chi Minh trail
The Central Highlands connects the Southeast
The trail has become a great road
Making so many splendid victories
.
Red soil in the season of rice flowers
Red color of spring day flowers
Kơ Nia is strong and strong
Po Lan, you are beautiful and gentle Peaceful country full of warm sunshine
Dak Nong innovates smooth wind
A time of memories filled with memories
Urged me to the place where used to be Gia Nghia spring day is bright and foggy
An unusually beautiful peaceful city
Blue baby seems to shrink
A distant moment reminiscent of love.