Not everyone accepts the offer of a refresher dose with the greatest obviousness.
On Tuesday, the government issued its recommendation that older Norwegians should take a refresher dose of coronary vaccine, when at least six months have passed since the second vaccine dose. The age group 85 years and up, as well as nursing home residents, are given first priority. Then those from 75 to 84 years, and then those aged 65-74.
– There is limited knowledge about this, but FHI believes the benefit probably exceeds the risk in the elderly. This is partly due to the fact that the elderly are more exposed to serious illness, and that it has been a long time since they were fully vaccinated, said Minister of Health Bent Høie at Tuesday’s press conference.
Read more here: The government recommends a third vaccine dose for the elderly
He also emphasized that this is a refreshing dose of the Pfizer vaccine, which has been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for this purpose.
– Must be more supportive
The next day, Nettavisen visits St. Hanshaugen senior center to speak directly to the target group.
See in the video window at the top what a group of elderly people think about a refreshing dose.
– I’m very happy that I got two doses. I’m very grateful for that, but when we look at the rest of the world, especially in Africa. I watched the “Debate” yesterday and was terrified that most of Africa has not even received the first dose, and that mutants and such things can thus develop, says 73-year-old Kari Hetira to Nettavisen.
– If you are offered a third dose, do you say no to it?
– Absolutely. Now we must be more supportive. Now we have two doses and it is safe enough. Then we must rather send the vaccines down to the countries that have not received the first dose. I therefore say no, but if there are some who are very ill, then of course they should receive the last dose, so that it is adapted to that person’s state of health.
And she adds:
– The elderly are a huge group. Then one must specify “who are the elderly?”. Some do not need it, others need it more. Most of us over 70 are healthy and fast, so then you have to adapt as needed, the 72-year-old answers.
Vaccine researcher Gunnveig Grødeland was invited to the “Debate” on NRK, and she said the following, among other things:
– The more doses you have to use in Africa, the more you will be able to reduce the likelihood of mutations occurring that can come back to us. In addition, you actually get a more ethically fair distribution of the vaccines in that we actually ensure that others get the protection we have and have had for a while now.
Here, Grødeland further elaborates on why older Norwegians do not need a new dose now:
Not easy to answer
73-year-old Kirsten Bjøru does not say no in cash, but admits that she is unsure whether she wants a refresher dose.
– What they said (the government editor’s note) is that there will be lower antibodies and then you say yes. But, and this is a big but, it is that we should contribute even more to the third world. If they are not vaccinated, it does not help us and we live in a global world, and everyone must then be vaccinated, the 73-year-old tells Nettavisen.
However, she does not rule out that she will take a third dose of vaccine.
– On the other hand, there are probably many older people who need it. Many people have underlying diseases, so it is not easy to answer yes / no to such a question. But I want to be scared, if it turns out now that there is something “bob, bob” and they can not detect enough antibodies. Then I might want to accept the offer, says Bjøru.
Afraid of the delta variant
However, one who is far more positive and ready for a refreshing dose is 65-year-old Maurice Chocron.
– I have just been told by my brother that my mother of 99 years will receive a refresher dose. I need it too, but mostly the elderly.
– Why do you want a third vaccine dose?
– There is something called the delta variant that I have heard and it is very dangerous. Therefore, I think this will be very good for people, if they are willing to take the third dose, the 65-year-old answers.
Many inquiries
The Ombudsman for the Elderly, who works to promote the interests of the elderly and monitors their situation, is pleased that this recommendation is coming now.
– Many older people have approached us, since they have been worried about the future. This is especially true for those who have underlying diseases. There are very many questions about a possible third dose, since the authorities and FHI have talked about a weakened protection six months after dose two, says senior ombudsman Bente Lund Jacobsen to Nettavisen.
– Many strange things
It is expected that work on a refreshing dose will slowly but surely begin at the end of October / beginning of November.
– We have heard a few who do not want to take the third dose, but first and foremost people are positive about this. What will be important in the future is how the municipalities communicate to most people. It was missing a lot lately. There were many challenges and misunderstandings. It was very strange, especially this first dose. For example, many received an SMS and asked to follow the link. Several did not get access then. I hope the communication gets better this time.
– What can specifically be done to make it easier for the elderly to take the refresher dose?
– The municipalities must pick up the phone and call people, is the crystal clear answer from Jacobsen.
– What is the view of the ombudsman for the elderly about solidarity in that older Norwegians will soon receive a third dose, while in other countries a large majority has not received a single dose? What thoughts do you have about this?
– It is very worrying that few have been vaccinated in many countries. It is important that the Norwegian authorities do what they can to secure citizens in both Norway and elsewhere in the world, Jacobsen answers.
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